
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Champaign Neighborhood of Champaign, IL from $300 (99 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Champaign area of Champaign.


Windcrest Apartments

202 W William St

302 W Eureka St

Garden Court

Total Monthly Price
1101 W Church St, Unit 2, Unit 2

Rally - Free Parking Included

Total Monthly Price
412 W Washington St

512 W University Ave

The Courtyard on Randolph
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

The Inman

110 W Columbia Ave

404 W Springfield Ave

309 W Springfield Ave

Midtown Center

State & Cedar

105 E Hill St

706 S Locust St

The Gardens at 304 E Clark

308 East Armory
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Armory Manor

207 E Healey St

312 E White St

Lofts On Green

Douglass Square Apartments

Prairie Place

Clark Street House

Bankier Apartments

1106 Euclid St

Smith Apartments @ 507 Church
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.

511 W University Ave

Second & Daniel

1002SEC

108 S 4th St

Smith Apartments @ 511 W Church

510 S Elm

Chalmers Manor

105 E John St

903 S Locust

Smith Apartments @ 1106 Second
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.

103 E Chalmers St

Stoughton Street Apartments

913 W Church St

605 W University Ave

606 S Prairie St

608 E White St

Green Street

408 E Stoughton St

304 E Daniel

510 Stoughton
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.
Downtown Champaign, Champaign, IL Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Champaign?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Champaign Studio Apartments | $1,784 | $615 | $2,320 |
| Downtown Champaign 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,455 | $575 | $2,409 |
| Downtown Champaign 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,559 | $685 | $3,180 |
| Downtown Champaign 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,386 | $600 | $2,900 |
| Downtown Champaign 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,653 | $835 | $3,800 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 99 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Champaign Neighborhood of Champaign, IL.
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Downtown Champaign, Champaign, IL Local Guide
- Nearby Champaign neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Downtown Champaign Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Champaign area of Champaign, IL is a 4 Beds unit found at 305JOH priced from $499. 1002SEC has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $658. Here are the most affordable Downtown Champaign apartments for rent in Champaign, IL:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 305JOH | Spacious 4 Bed/3 Bath Apartment on the corner o... | 4BR,3BA | $499 |
| 1002SEC | Fall 2026 Leasing – 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath | 4BR,2BA | $658 |
| 207 S Fifth | AVAILABLE NOW! Unit 203 Bedroom B Cozy 4x2 Uppe... | 4BR,2BA | $659 |
| 107 E Springfield | Spring semester move in, two bed one bath apart... | 2BR,1BA | $709 |
| Windcrest Apartments | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $800 |
| 58 E Healey | 58 E Healey - 309 | 1BR,1BA | $825 |
| 408 E Healey | Fall lease, two bed one bath apartment in Midto... | 2BR,1BA | $829 |
| Rally - Free Parking Included | 1BR / 1BA | 1BR,1BA | $850 |
| State Street Apartments | The Eddleman | 1BR,1BA | $890 |
| Garden Court | 2 Bed / 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $895 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Champaign, IL
As of April 12, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Champaign area is the $0.80 price per square foot Fall lease, four bed four bath apartment in Qua... Model at 608 E Chalmers in the in the Downtown Champaign neighborhood starting from $1,060. The second greatest value Downtown Champaign apartment is the 4 Bedroom Apartment @ First & John: Available N... Model at 59JOH starting at $485 with a $0.46 price per square foot in the Downtown Champaign neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Champaign apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 608 E Chalmers | Fall lease, four bed four bath apartment in Qua... | 4BR,4BA | $0.80 |
| 59JOH | 4 Bedroom Apartment @ First & John: Available N... | 4BR,3BA | $0.46 |
| Pfeffer Apartments - NOW LEASING AUGUST 2026 | Shared Apartment Individual Lease | 1BR,1BA | $0.58 |
| 207 S Fifth | AVAILABLE NOW! Unit 203 Bedroom B Cozy 4x2 Uppe... | 4BR,2BA | $0.69 |
| The Courtyard on Randolph | 2BR/ 1BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.09 |
| Garden Court | 2 Bed / 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.08 |
| 112 E. Green St by Bankier Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath - X Large - (NS) 112 E Green St. (... | 2BR,1BA | $1.29 |
| 408 E Healey | Fall lease, two bed one bath apartment in Midto... | 2BR,1BA | $1.26 |
| 107 E Springfield | Spring semester move in, two bed one bath apart... | 2BR,1BA | $1.22 |
| Windcrest Apartments | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.38 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Best Local Schools in Downtown Champaign, Champaign, IL
Central High School
Edison Middle School
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Champaign Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Champaign?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Champaign is under $895.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Champaign?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Champaign is Windcrest Apartments which is listed at $800, while the average apartment in Downtown Champaign costs $2,060.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Champaign?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 48 regular apartments in Downtown Champaign that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Downtown Champaign?
Cheap apartments in Downtown Champaign have an average cost of $842 which is $1,218 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Champaign.
Expert Rental Resources
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.