Is a 1-bedroom or studio apartment a better value in Berkeley?

In Berkeley, 1-bedrooms average $2,198/mo versus $1,977/mo for a studio. For solo renters on a tight budget, compare both filters on Rentler before applying. If you work from home or spend significant time in your apartment, the extra separation of a larger unit may be worth the difference.

Are 1-bedroom apartments in Berkeley pet-friendly?

Pet policies on 1-bedroom apartments vary by landlord and building — there's no blanket rule. Use Rentler's pet-friendly filter to narrow your search, then confirm breed, weight, and deposit requirements directly with the landlord before applying.

Can I find furnished 1-bedrooms in Berkeley, CA?

Furnished 1-bedrooms are available in Berkeley but represent a smaller share of total inventory compared to unfurnished units. Use Rentler's furnished filter to surface move-in-ready options. Furnished units are most common in newer construction buildings and in complexes that cater to corporate or short-term renters.

How much should I earn to rent a 1-bedroom in Berkeley?

Most landlords in Berkeley require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a 1-bedroom at Berkeley's current average of $2,198/mo, that means demonstrating roughly 2.5–3x that amount in gross income. If you're below that threshold, a co-signer, larger security deposit, or prepaid rent may be accepted by some landlords — always worth asking.

1-Bedroom Rentals in Berkeley, CA

109 Results

$3,295

1 bed1 bathApartment

1700 Spruce Street 1, Berkeley, CA, 94709

$1,550

1 bed1 bathApartment

1780 Le Roy Ave 21, Berkeley, CA, 94709

$1,450

1 bed1 bathApartment

1780 Le Roy Ave 25, Berkeley, CA, 94709

$1,450

1 bed1 bathApartment

1780 Le Roy Ave 25, Berkeley, CA, 94709

$2,450

1 bed1 bath531 sqftMultiplex

2433 McKinley Ave B, Berkeley, CA, 94703

$3,100

1 bed1 bath1,147 sqftCondo

1175 59th St 5, Emeryville, CA, 94608

$2,100

1 bed2 bathsApartment

2332 Fulton St., Berkeley, CA, 94704

$2,100

1 bed3 baths140 sqftApartment

2221 Dwight Way #6, Berkeley, CA, 94704

$885

1 bed2 baths200 sqftHouse

990 55TH Street #4, Emeryville, CA, 94608

$896

1 bed2 bathsHouse

990 55th Street #2, Oakland, CA, 94608

$3,150

1 bed3 baths2,390 sqftMultiplex

2221 Dwight Way 2, Berkeley, CA, 94704

$2,500

1 bed1 bath800 sqftApartment

10 Maybeck Twin Dr A, Berkeley, CA, 94708

$2,595

1 bed1 bath620 sqftCondo

1922 Sacramento Street, Berkeley, CA, 94702

$2,750

1 bed1 bath650 sqftApartment

1207-1233 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94702

$1,175

1 bed1 bathHouse

2132 Roosevelt Avenue - Bedroom 3 Unit 7, Berkeley, CA, 94703

$2,295

1 bed1 bathApartment

2330 Blake St 208, Berkeley, CA, 94704

$1,495

1 bed1 bath1,830 sqftCondo

515 Lexington Ave Unit 517, El Cerrito, CA, 94530

$1,495

1 bed1 bath1,830 sqftCondo

515 Lexington Ave Unit 517, El Cerrito, CA, 94530

$2,395

1 bed1 bath762 sqftHouse

369 Colusa Avenue Unit 05, Kensington, CA, 94707

$2,350

1 bed1 bath575 sqftCondo

2636 Warring Street 2636-101, Berkeley, CA, 94704

$1,695

1 bed1 bathApartment

1213 San Pablo Ave #103, Berkeley, CA, 94706

$1,695

1 bed1 bathApartment

1213 San Pablo Ave #104, Berkeley, CA, 94706

$1,595

1 bed1 bathApartment

1213 San Pablo Ave #102, Berkeley, CA, 94706

$2,095

1 bed1 bathApartment

2431-33 & 2435 Grant St., Berkeley, CA, 94703

Showing 24 of 109 results

1-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Berkeley, CA

Browse 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Berkeley, CA. Find the right 1BR rental by neighborhood, price, and amenities - updated daily on Rentler.

What to Know Before Renting a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Berkeley, CA

A 1-bedroom apartment in Berkeley hits the sweet spot for most solo renters and couples — enough space to have a real living room and a separated sleep area, without the cost of a 2-bedroom you don't fully use. For remote workers, a 1-bedroom is often the minimum viable setup: you can close a door between your workspace and your living space, which matters more than most people expect before they try working from a studio. When evaluating 1-bedrooms in Berkeley, pay attention to bedroom size (some 1-bedrooms are technically 1-bedrooms with a bedroom that fits a queen bed and nothing else), closet space, and whether the kitchen opens to the living room or is walled off. In-unit laundry, a parking spot, and a dedicated storage unit are the three amenities most renters wish they'd prioritized when they didn't have them. 1-bedrooms in Berkeley also tend to have the most competitive rental market of any unit type — more supply than studios, but more demand than 2-bedrooms, which means good 1-bedrooms in desirable Berkeley neighborhoods at fair prices move quickly.

Berkeley Neighborhoods for 1-Bedroom Renters

Southside

Offering convenient access to the University of California, Berkeley, Southside has studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments and student-focused multifamily housing. The area is extremely walkable, and locals can walk to UC Berkeley or take AC Transit Line 6 to the campus and Oakland. Rents are usually close to the city’s mid-range of $2,731/mo. Pet policies vary from rental to rental, but there are pet-friendly options available. Overall, Southside is a great choice for students looking for campus-adjacent rentals and young solo renters who don’t want to rely on a car.

Elmwood

Known for its residential streets and homes with yards, Elmwood has older apartments, duplexes, and suburban-style homes. Most rentals are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units, with a few 3-bedroom rentals here and there. Offering moderate luxury and renovated homes, prices usually run above Berkeley’s average of $2,731/mo. The area’s highly walkable, but AC Transit routes 22 and 27 connect Elmwood with Downtown Berkeley and other parts of the East Bay. As a pet-friendly community, Elmwood works well for couples and small families looking for more space and walkability.

Northside/North Berkeley

With 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments, co-ops, and single-family houses, most rentals in Northside and North Berkeley are older to mid-era buildings. Rents tend to sit above the city’s average of $2,731/mo, but renovated rentals add a few luxury options to the local inventory. With easy access to Ohlone Greenway and walkable streets, the neighborhood is pet-friendly and great for outdoorsy renters. Transit is also available, with North Berkeley BART Station’s Richmond-to-Berryessa and Richmond-to-Millbrae lines, along with AC Transit. The area is a good fit for professionals, couples, and University of California, Berkeley, students and faculty.

West Berkeley

West Berkeley has a wide mix of rental options, including apartments, lofts, townhomes, and live-work units. Layouts include studios, 1-bedrooms, and spacious 2-bedroom options. Prices are typically in line with or above Berkeley’s average of $2,731/mo rent of $2,731/mo, but new construction and mixed-use developments add moderate luxury to the mix. Many new buildings are pet-friendly, making it a good option for renters with dogs and cats. AC Transit Line 51B runs along University Avenue toward Downtown Berkeley. All in all, West Berkeley is best for professionals and couples seeking flexible rental options and easy transit access.

Berkeley Hills

Known for its hillside streets and high-end inventory, Berkeley Hills is one of the best places to find luxury rentals in the city, with older upscale single-family homes and a few apartments. Most listings are spacious 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom homes, and rentals with yards and open space tend to be the most pet-friendly. Residents typically drive for daily travel, taking Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Tunnel Road to central Berkeley and Oakland. Because rents are higher than the city’s average of $2,731/mo price of $2,731/mo, Berkeley Hills is best for high-income professionals and families seeking multi-bedroom homes with privacy and premium views.