Oakland is a major port and the largest city in Alameda County, California. As a multicultural city, Oakland is known for its history and diversity. Rich with natural resources like oak and redwood timber, it was utilized in the construction of San Francisco. Serving as the trade center for the San Francisco Bay Area, it is also the busiest port in the area. If you are new to the city and looking for cheap rooms to rent in Oakland, we’re here to help you get started! Read on to learn about the city, culture, neighborhoods, average rent in Oakland, and more.
Oakland is a major port and the largest city in Alameda County, California. As a multicultural city, Oakland is known for its history and diversity. Rich with natural resources like oak and redwood timber, it was utilized in the construction of San Francisco. Serving as the trade center for the San Francisco Bay Area, it is also the busiest port in the area. If you are new to the city and looking for cheap rooms to rent in Oakland, we’re here to help you get started! Read on to learn about the city, culture, neighborhoods, average rent in Oakland, and more.
Finding rooms for rent in Oakland
Oakland has varied terrain, with a total area of 77.89 sq mi. There are more than 50 distinct neighborhoods and each of them can be quite unique. Locals refer to the city’s area as “the flatlands”, and “the hills”, which were the more affluent areas. A lot of Oakland has been through rapid gentrification in recent times. Big companies have continued to transform the communities and culture of Oakland. Hence, modern apartments have appeared, making it harder to find cheap rooms for rent in Oakland.
Related: Looking for a roommate? Here are some qualities to look for!
Top Neighborhoods in Oakland
- Downtown: Downtown is perfect if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland and want to be in the heart of the city. Perfect for young professionals, it is thriving, vibrant, and safe. You will find tons of options for entertainment, dining, and shopping. All of this, within walking distance.
- Rockridge: If you are a University student, Rockridge is a great option for you! With its proximity to the University of California, Berkley, and Oakland, it is home to many students. There is also great accessibility with a BART train station nearby to get around. However, finding cheap rooms for rent in Oakland can be difficult here as it is on the more expensive side.
- Temescal: Another great place for the younger generation, Temescal has a booming art and entertainment scene. With many coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and pubs, there are lots of options to chill. This neighborhood is great if you are finding rooms for rent in Oakland and has great connectivity too.
Related: Safest Ways To Show An Apartment During Covid-19
Average rent in Oakland
| Rooms for Rent in Oakland | Average Rent |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Oakland | $2,976 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Oakland | $3,270 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Oakland | $4,208 |
Related: Is Life In Co-Living Communities Right For Me?
University life in Oakland
Oakland can be a great place to study as it is a cultural and economic hub. It is a major commercial port city and is known for its safety. There are great options for higher education in the city if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland to study here. You can even take up campus accommodation or find cheap rooms for rent in Oakland. Here are the living costs and the average rent, and top Universities in Oakland.
Related: Looking for a roommate? Here are some qualities to look for!
Top Neighborhoods in Oakland
- Downtown: Downtown is perfect if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland and want to be in the heart of the city. Perfect for young professionals, it is thriving, vibrant, and safe. You will find tons of options for entertainment, dining, and shopping. All of this, within walking distance.
- Rockridge: If you are a University student, Rockridge is a great option for you! With its proximity to the University of California, Berkley, and Oakland, it is home to many students. There is also great accessibility with a BART train station nearby to get around. However, finding cheap rooms for rent in Oakland can be difficult here as it is on the more expensive side.
- Temescal: Another great place for the younger generation, Temescal has a booming art and entertainment scene. With many coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and pubs, there are lots of options to chill. This neighborhood is great if you are finding rooms for rent in Oakland and has great connectivity too.
Related: Safest Ways To Show An Apartment During Covid-19
Average rent in Oakland
Related: Is Life In Co-Living Communities Right For Me?
Average costs of living in Oakland
| Particulars | Cost per Month |
| Rent | $1956 |
| Traveling | $95 |
| Utilities | $231 |
| Food | $1546 |
| Health Insurance | $100 |
University life in Oakland
Oakland can be a great place to study as it is a cultural and economic hub. It is a major commercial port city and is known for its safety. There are great options for higher education in the city if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland to study here. You can even take up campus accommodation or find cheap rooms for rent in Oakland. Here are the living costs and the average rent, and top Universities in Oakland.
Related: Apartment Security Systems: Steps You Can Take As A Renter
Top Universities in Oakland:
How transit friendly is Oakland
1. Airports in Oakland
Oakland has access to three major airports. These are Oakland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and San Jose International Airport. The nearest of these is the Oakland International airport that lies just 4 mi South of Downtown. You can easily find taxis or buses from the airport to the main city. Air connectivity is great, if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland.
2. Taxis in Oakland
You can easily use taxis in Oakland and they are generally safe and convenient. However, it is advisable to book one in advance and you will need to call for pickup in most areas. Taxi rates in Oakland are generally higher than most cities. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available. They can be great if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland in an out-of-the-way area.
Taxi rates in Oakland
| Taxi Rates for | Cost |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | $40.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | $3.80 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $3.50 |
Related: Creative Ways To Store A Bike In An Apartment
3. Subway in Oakland
Oakland, along with the rest of the San Francisco Bay area is served by the Bay Area Rapid Transit. (BART) This subway system serves San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and nearby counties. If you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland, be sure to check for availability. You can find the schedules and maps for the BART routes on their website.
4. Buses in Oakland
Buses in Oakland are operated by AC Transit. It is an Oakland-based public transit agency that serves the Oakland city and parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. AC Transit also operates ‘Transbay’ routes to San Francisco and areas in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. A local day pass costs $5 and allows unlimited transfers. Be sure to check availability if you are finding rooms for rent in Oakland.
Cultural Activites in Oakland
- Fox Theater: This theater was built in 1928 but It closed its doors in 1970. It stood empty until 2009 when it was reopened as a music venue that is a hub of culture and entertainment. A great place to visit if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland and enjoy music!
- Oaktoberfest: Oakland’s answer to the Oktoberfest, this event is held on the last weekend of September. Try a variety of brews, or enjoy non-alcoholic options as well.
- Chabot Space and Science Center: Head here to explore a variety of exhibits or megadome movies on space. You can find many hands-on opportunities to learn about space and use the telescopes. A fun place if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland and enjoy learning about science and space.
Dining in Oakland
- Golden Lotus Vegan Restaurant: A Vietnamese restaurant that offers unique dishes and cuisines and dishes at a budget rate. Described as ‘Asian-Fusion Vegan’, all dishes are made with organic ingredients. A great stop if you are looking for rooms for rent in Oakland and are vegan!
- Guadalajara: This Mexican restaurant and bar serves from a gigantic menu ranging from simple salads to seafood. A local favorite, it is a great place to grab some delicious Mexican food with a drink. Vegetarian options are available too and there is accessible on-site parking.
- Arizmendi: Arizmendi is a local bakery that makes artisan bread, morning pastries, and gourmet pizza. A favorite among locals, it serves fresh delights every day and is a great place to pick up a snack if you are in the area.
Related: Unhealthy Or Healthy Habits? The Power Of Habit Is That You Can Choose!
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