Many people move to San Francisco without ever venturing into the wonderfully local vibe of Oakland. But that just might make your new home even better, honestly. Everything is a little more chill on the east bay, and much more affordable.
Oakland's distinct neighborhoods offer something for everyone
Many people move to San Francisco without ever venturing into the wonderfully local vibe of Oakland. But that just might make your new home even better, honestly. Everything is a little more chill on the east bay, and much more affordable.
Oakland's distinct neighborhoods offer something for everyone. Art lovers will find a haven in Temescal, brimming with trendy shops, galleries, and a youthful vibe. Young professionals might gravitate towards the modern high-rises and bustling energy of Downtown Oakland. Families seeking a quieter setting can explore the tree-lined streets and Craftsman bungalows of the Crocker Highlands. History buffs will be drawn to the Victorian charm and architectural richness of Victorian Square.
Oakland's rental market reflects this variety. You'll find everything from luxury high-rises with stunning city views to converted lofts with exposed brick and industrial accents. Charming studio apartments and spacious family-friendly units in Craftsman buildings are also plentiful. Knowing which neighborhoods offer the type of rentals you're looking for will be key in your search.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate Oakland's exciting rental market and find the perfect place to call home. We'll delve deeper into these neighborhoods and rental options, explore rent prices, and provide valuable tips to streamline your apartment search.
The following rent averages come from current listings on our website. Rent prices listed are averages and may not reflect the cost of specific units. Rental prices can vary depending on factors like size, location, amenities, and availability.
On average, expect to pay around $1,979 per month for a studio apartment in Oakland.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oakland is approximately $2,555 per month.
In Oakland, a 2-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $3,299 per month.
A 3-bedroom apartment in Oakland will cost, on average, $4,671 per month.
Car owners beware! Traffic and parking will become a great source of stress. Traffic gets really bad around downtown, Lake Merritt, 580, and the Bay Bridge. So when that rush hour highway begins to look like an insane asylum with turn signals, just settle into an apartment near the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit).
The BART is a heavy rail commuter system that runs through Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and the east bay communities. BART offers fast, reliable service to San Francisco, other East Bay cities, and major points within Oakland itself. There are eight BART stations conveniently located throughout Oakland. AC Transit, a separate bus agency, provides extensive bus service within Oakland and neighboring areas. While fares are reasonable, some riders might find bus wait times inconvenient. You can find schedules and fares for both BART and AC Transit on their respective websites.
Zipcars are also available throughout the downtown area. You just pay an annual fee and get a card, which you use to unlock your zipcar from the nearest location. This service is much less expensive than owning or renting a car, and it’s great for getting groceries, or going on a beer run after dark.
Finding a pet-friendly apartment in Oakland can feel overwhelming, but don't despair! Major rental listing websites like Apartment List allow filtering by pet-friendliness. Simply select “Dog-Friendly” or “Cat-Friendly” in your preferences when you start your search. Do be prepared to run into some common restrictions, though:
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Weight & breed restrictions: While dogs are popular even in the busiest parts of the city, be aware that many buildings (especially high-rises) have weight or breed limits for pets, often stricter than other locations.
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Building size and amenities: Larger buildings and those with dedicated pet amenities like dog runs are more likely to be pet-friendly.
Still have questions about renting in Oakland? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from people who are moving to the city for the first time:
Oakland comes in at # 17 most expensive city for renters among the nation's top 100 largest cities. At a median rate of $1,813 for a one-bedroom, we estimate you would need to earn around $75,000 a year to afford an apartment at that rate.
According to our latest rental data from April 2024, the median price of a one-bedroom in LA and in Oakland are around the same. LA is slightly higher at $1,863 compared to Oakland's $1,813.
While improving, some areas of Oakland have higher crime rates than the national average. At the same time, Oakland continues to attract new residents for its vibrant art scene, diverse neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. You'll find a mix of cultures, ethnicities, and lifestyles, making it a dynamic and interesting place to live.
Furthermore, while housing costs are rising in Oakland, it's still significantly cheaper than its neighbor across the bay. You'll get more bang for your buck when it comes to renting or buying an apartment. Also, don't forget that Oakland's culinary scene is booming, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and international flavors to explore.
Wondering where to live? Oakland is broken down into a few large areas, including The Hills, The Lower Hills, and the Flatlands. Let's explore each of these and their neighborhoods:
Welcome to sunshine and lollie pop land. Here, the neighborhoods are quiet.
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Montclaire. Scenic, and an easy commute. If you can afford it, you will love it!
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Piedmont. Slightly more affordable, and experiencing a little renaissance.
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Rockridge. Upscale, with quirky shops, a burgeoning art scene, and just a few blocks to BART.
The lower hills are a great middle ground. Here you’ll find the bridge to the upscale. Here, you can find both quiet neighborhoods and areas of young singles seizing the day, night, and early morning.
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Grand Lake. Right by the lake and jam-packed with joggers.
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Trestle Glen. Tight-knit and walkable.
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Glenview. Absolutely charming.
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Oakmore. A quiet haven for the upper middle class.
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Diamond District. Everything you need within walking distance: groceries, bank, park, and bus.
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Lincoln Highlands. Nice and family-oriented.
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Adams Point. Seriously affordable for the hills, seriously close to Lake Merritt and downtown, and seriously interesting things going on all the time. Seriously.
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Redwood Heights. Hilltop views, upscale diversity, and family-oriented neighbors… all bordered by Highway 13, which is a straight shot to Berkeley.
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Uptown. Great nightlife scene and home to Oaksterdam University.
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Downtown. Urban-hipster-land.
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Old Oakland. A quirky neighborhood, an awesome farmers market, and walking distance entertainment.
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Chinatown. Exactly how it sounds, plus walking distance to downtown… just spring for a cab ride home at night.
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Jack London Square. High-rise living with bayside dining, jazz, and a funky weekend Artisan Marketplace.
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Lake Merritt. Lots of fun, and many cultures blended together beautifully.
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Fruitvale. A community of renaissance people.
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West Oakland. A gem in transition: diverse projects, luxury condos, and work/live spaces with delightfully eccentric neighbors.
