Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC from $400 (46 Rentals)

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

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Chapel Hill.

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.

close
View Me
Trustee Corner
Studio Apartments

Trustee Corner

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

Timber Hollow

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

Chapel View

2701 Homestead RdChapel Hill, NC 27516

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.

Cash 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.

Durham's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

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

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.

close
View Me
Poplar Place
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Poplar Place

605 Jones Ferry RdCarrboro, NC 27510

Chapel Hill, NC Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer  - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Chapel Hill, NC

Pricing Updated: 10/28/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Chapel Hill, NC area range in price from $849 to $24,000 with an overall median price of $6,091. The three Chapel Hill neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Southern Village at $849, Downtown Chapel Hill at $1,025, 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
Southern Village$1,685$849153
Downtown Chapel Hill$1,880$1,02523
UNC Chapel Hill$1,938$958242
University Place$2,512$1,000361
Gimghoul Historic District$3,434$958316
Chapel Hill East$3,612$1,000334
Northside$3,645$849312
Meadowmont$3,650$999443
Cameron McCauley$3,660$849297
Estes$3,665$1,000256

Cheapest Available Chapel Hill Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Chapel Hill, NC is a 2 Beds unit found at Carolina Spring Senior Apartments in the Triple Crown Estates neighborhood priced from $849. Glenbrook East and West in the Downtown Durham neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $890. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Chapel Hill apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Carolina Spring Senior ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$849
Glenbrook East and WestThe Brightleaf GW 6601BR,1BA$890
Berkshire 54Cranwell R22BR,1BA$949
Crossings @ 5011x1 Creekview Classic- Call for Availability1BR,1BA$950
The Villages of Chapel HillThe Brighton - Cozy Studio Apartment HomeStudio,1BA$958
West End Flats2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom2BR,2BA$987
Lenox at Patterson PlaceDoverStudio,1BA$999
ShadowoodThe Oak1BR,1BA$1,000
Glen Lennox Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bath A1BR,1BA$1,024
Estes ParkGrove at Estes Park1BR,1BA$1,025

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC

As of October 28, 2025 the best value apartment in the Chapel Hill area is the $0.83 price per square foot C4 Model at Shortbread Lofts in the in the Triple Crown Estates neighborhood starting from $1,125. The second greatest value Chapel Hill apartment is the 3AX Model at Trinity at the Hill starting at $1,725 with a $1.45 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 LoftsC43BR,3BA$0.83
Trinity at the Hill3AX3BR,2BA$1.45
Laurel Ridge ApartmentsRosemary2BR,1.5BA$1.35
The Bailey ApartmentsB3 - Renovated2BR,2BA$1.43
Glenbrook East and WestThe Eno GWII 10252BR,2BA$1.42
Rock Creek ApartmentsSycamore2BR,2BA$1.35
River View2B2BR,2BA$1.27
West End Flats2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$1.26
Berkshire 54Barrington R21BR,1BA$1.48
Poplar PlaceA11BR,1BA$1.33

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

The 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 Article
Decorative image

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

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.

Chapel Hill, NC
Population: 60,988

Ranked #618

in US Census Population by City

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Chapel Hill, NC

Ranked #9

Among cities in North Carolina for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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

Explore Chapel Hill, NC Rentals by Map

View Map
Chapel Hill, NC Apartments Map
View Map
Chapel Hill, NC Rental Homes Map

Getting Around Chapel Hill, NC

Walk Score®

42 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

51 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

28 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

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 $1,025.

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

The cheapest apartment in Chapel Hill is Carolina Spring Senior Apartments which is listed at $849, while the average apartment in Chapel Hill costs $6,091.

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 1,260 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 $550 which is $5,541 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Chapel Hill.

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

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.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.