Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC from $400 (70 Rentals)

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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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

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Durham's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Durham and the best places to live with original content written by Local Expert Billy K

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Trustee Corner
Studio Apartments

Trustee Corner

115 N Merritt Mill RdChapel Hill, NC 27516
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Timber Hollow
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Timber Hollow

101 Timber Hollow CtChapel Hill, NC 27514
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Chapel View
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chapel View

2701 Homestead RdChapel Hill, NC 27516
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612 Hillsborough
2 Bedroom Apartments

612 Hillsborough

612 Hillsborough StChapel Hill, NC 27514
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Chapel Hill, NC Local Guide

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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Chapel Hill, NC

Pricing Updated: 01/28/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Chapel Hill, NC area range in price from $839 to $12,627 with an overall median price of $3,061. The three Chapel Hill neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Chapel Hill at $975, Southern Village at $949, and UNC Chapel Hill at $958. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Chapel Hill Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Downtown Chapel Hill$1,728$97530
Southern Village$1,728$949193
UNC Chapel Hill$1,755$958179
Greater Chapel Hill$1,902$8391766
University Place$2,599$995435
Chapel Hill East$3,469$975416
Gimghoul Historic District$3,469$958366
Meadowmont$3,469$995510
Northside$3,545$949427
Cameron McCauley$3,575$949409

Cheapest Available Chapel Hill Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Chapel Hill, NC is a 1 Bed unit found at Crossings @ 501 in the Downtown Durham neighborhood priced from $900. Shadowood in the Triple Crown Estates neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $925. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Chapel Hill apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Crossings @ 5011x1 Creekview Classic- Call for Availability1BR,1BA$900
ShadowoodThe Oak1BR,1BA$925
West End Flats2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom2BR,2BA$944
Glenbrook East and WestThe Brightleaf GWII 5351BR,1BA$947
Chateau ApartmentsOne Bedroom One Bath Garden1BR,1BA$949
Poplar PlaceA11BR,1BA$972
MAA Patterson11A1BR,1BA$973
The Villages of Chapel HillThe Brighton - DELUXE Studio Apartment HomeStudio,1BA$993
Lenox at Patterson PlaceDoverStudio,1BA$999
Carolina Spring Senior ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$999

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC

As of January 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Chapel Hill area is the $0.94 price per square foot C1 Model at Shortbread Lofts in the in the Triple Crown Estates neighborhood starting from $1,140. The second greatest value Chapel Hill apartment is the Rosemary Model at Laurel Ridge Apartments starting at $1,420 with a $1.35 price per square foot in the Lafayette neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Chapel Hill apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Shortbread LoftsC13BR,3BA$0.94
Laurel Ridge ApartmentsRosemary2BR,1.5BA$1.35
115 Wild Primrose Ln, Unit 115 Wild Primrose Lane115 Wild Primrose Ln2BR,2BA$1.44
Poplar PlaceB12BR,1BA$1.38
Carolina - Students save up to 10%!Hatteras2BR,1.5BA$1.46
River View2B2BR,2BA$1.42
Ashbrook Apartments1b/1b Edgemont1BR,1BA$1.31
Chateau Apartments1x1 Renovated1BR,1BA$1.31
The Bailey ApartmentsA1 - Renovated1BR,1BA$1.37
MAA Patterson11A1BR,1BA$1.40

Don'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.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

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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.

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Chapel Hill Overview

Chapel Hill is the 16th-largest city in the state of North Carolina, with a population of over a half-million residents. It is one of the three cities that make up the Research Triangle, Durham and Raleigh are the other two cities. In 1959 the three cities were named the Research Triangle Park because of the park between Durham and Raleigh.

Why live in Chapel Hill, NC?

Chapel Hill has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and it is staying steady, because of the jobs related to the Research Triangle. Although it is a college town, it is filled with elegant small shops and restaurants, beautiful parks, and provides an upscale feel to its surroundings. Because Chapel Hill is surrounded by mountains, residents will experience a milder summer heat and cooler winter days. But the residential areas are settled on large woodsy lots which makes residents feel like they are living at a luxury resort.

Best Local Schools in
Chapel Hill, NC

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Chapel Hill, NC Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Chapel Hill, NC

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Chapel Hill Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Chapel Hill?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Chapel Hill is under $999.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Chapel Hill?

The cheapest apartment in Chapel Hill is Crossings @ 501 which is listed at $900, while the average apartment in Chapel Hill costs $3,061.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Chapel Hill?

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 2,647 regular apartments in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

Cheap apartments in Chapel Hill have an average cost of $1,440 which is $1,621 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Chapel Hill.

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

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Your Guide to the Top 10 Affordable Neighborhoods to Rent in Durham, NC

Written by: Billy K

I'm Billy, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Durham, North Carolina. And if you’re considering settling down in Durham, you’re in luck.

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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.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.