Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central Square Neighborhood of Cambridge, MA from $900 (78 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Central Square area of Cambridge.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

Read Article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Read Article

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Read Article
close
View Me
179 Prospect St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

179 Prospect St

179 Prospect StCambridge, MA 02139
close
View Me
Close Building
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Close Building

243 BroadwayCambridge, MA 02139
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
19 Garden St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

19 Garden St

19 Garden StCambridge, MA 02138
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Putnam Manor
Studio Apartments

Putnam Manor

16 TrowbridgeCambridge, MA 02138
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
63 Inman Street
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

63 Inman Street

63 Inman StCambridge, MA 02139

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Read Article

Boston's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Boston and the best places to live around the area with original content written by our Boston, MA Local Expert Amelia Ramstead

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

Central Square, Cambridge, MA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Central Square Apartments for Rent

 
Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Cambridge Ivy InnRoom Lodging Style1BR,1BA$1,600

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central Square, MA

As of June 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the Central Square area is the $0.25 price per square foot 161 Hampshire St Model at 161 Hampshire St, Unit 3 in the in the Kendall Square neighborhood starting from $2,500. The second greatest value Central Square apartment is the 5 Watson St Model at 5 Watson St, Unit 4-2L starting at $2,500 with a $0.25 price per square foot in the Kendall Square neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central Square apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
161 Hampshire St, Unit 3161 Hampshire St1BR,1BA$0.25
5 Watson St, Unit 4-2L5 Watson St1BR,1BA$0.25
5 Watson St, Unit 4-2L5 Watson St1BR,1BA$0.25
204 Banks St, Unit #218-7204 Banks StStudio ,1BA$0.23
146 Allston St, Unit 3146 Allston St1BR,1BA$0.18
96 Winthrop St, Unit 196 Winthrop St1BR,1BA$0.18
16 Clinton St, Unit B16 Clinton St1BR,1BA$0.24
180 Harvard St, Unit 11H180 Harvard St1BR,1BA$0.24
379 Somerville Ave, Unit 1379 Somerville AveStudio ,1BA$0.26
80 Hampshire St, Unit 6A80 Hampshire St1BR,1BA$0.25

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Central Square, Cambridge, MA

Ranked #19

Among neighborhoods in Cambridge, MA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Best Local Schools in
Central Square, Cambridge, MA

School data provided by Great Schools

Getting Around the Central Square Neighborhood in Cambridge, MA

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Walker’s Paradise

Daily errands do not require a car

Bike Score®

99 / 100

Biker's Paradise

Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike

Transit Score®

71 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit is convenient for most trips

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Central Square Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Central Square?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Central Square is under $1,600.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Central Square?

The cheapest apartment in Central Square is Cambridge Ivy Inn which is listed at $1,600, while the average apartment in Central Square costs $6,500.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Boston, MA article

The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Boston, MA

Written by: Amelia Ramstead

Boston is known for its exciting combination of early American history and modern high-tech universities and employers.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.