Cleveland vs. Oakland: Which City Has Better Rentals Right Now?

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent for a set dollar amount in various cities across the U.S. Is one person's studio another's townhouse? Let's find out! Today's prices: $1,000-$5,000/month. And the theme? NBA Finals hometowns!

Round 1: $1,000/Month

↑ Cleveland, OH (2 beds, 2 baths)—This 1,430-square-foot downtown condo is right by the Cleveland State University campus and less than a mile away from the RNC National Convention this summer. The pad itself features an open kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, large windows, and a patio

↓ Oakland, CA (Room in a shared apartment)—It may just be a room, but at 140 square feet, it's bigger than some NYC "studios." The room comes furnished with a full-sized bed, desk, and chair. Located 3 blocks from the West Oakland BART station, it's just a short train ride away from San Francisco.

Round 2: $2,000/Month

↑ Cleveland, OH (2 beds, 2 baths)—This is a 1,360-square-foot cottage on the west side of Cleveland, offering a tiny kitchen, fireplace, and hardwood floors. The basement is partially furnished (currently used as a game room, it appears) and there seems to be a bit of a porch on the front.

↓ Oakland, CA (1 bed, 1 bath)—Besides that amazing plant in the front yard, this garden-level one-bedroom shows off hardwood floors, refinished cabinetry, and gorgeous natural light. The house is located on the edge of the historic Clinton neighborhood, near Lake Merritt.

Final Round: $5,000/Month

↑ Cleveland, OH (3 beds, 2 baths)—The 1,572-square-foot home, located in the retail-filled Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, was totally renovated in 2014, and comes with an open living room and kitchen, subway tiles, and a bit of exposed brick. The photos don't quite convey it, but the house seems like it gets great light.

↓ Oakland, CA (4 beds, 2 baths)—This is a '40s home sporting random-plank hardwood floors, arched moldings, and updated travertine tile floors in the kitchen and master bath. More enticing are the patio off the kitchen and the rear deck with mountain and bay views. The 2,000 square foot house is located in the very residential Upper Rockridge neighborhood.