Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC from $400 (96 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
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 Chapel Hill.

property at 303 Smith Level Rd

$735

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$735
Total Monthly Price
$735

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Aug 1

303 Smith Level Rd, Unit D24, Unit D24

303 Smith Level Rd
Chapel HillNC27516
property at 204 Celeste Cir

$800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$800
Total Monthly Price
$800

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

204 Celeste Cir

Chapel HillNC27517
close
View Me
Shadowood
Rent Specials
$946 - $1,633
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$946 - $1,633
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Shadowood

110 Piney Mountain RdChapel Hill, NC 27514
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Sunstone Apartments
Rent Specials
$1,148 - $1,783
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,148 - $1,783
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Sunstone Apartments

208 Conner DrChapel Hill, NC 27514
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Notting Hill
Rent Specials
$1,321 - $3,068
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,321 - $3,068
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Notting Hill

100 Drew Hill LnChapel Hill, NC 27514
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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
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

Durham's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

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

Read Article
close
View Me
Chapel View
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chapel View

2701 Homestead RdChapel Hill, NC 27516
property at 500 Umstead Dr

$1,250 - $1,500

2 To 3 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

500 Umstead Dr

Chapel HillNC27516
property at 1414 Old Lystra Rd

$1,395

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,395
Total Monthly Price
$1,395

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1414 Old Lystra Rd, Unit 3, Unit 3

1414 Old Lystra Rd
Chapel HillNC27517
property at 1416 Old Lystra Rd

$1,395

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,395
Total Monthly Price
$1,395

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1416 Old Lystra Rd, Unit 6, Unit 6

1416 Old Lystra Rd
Chapel HillNC27514

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
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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: 05/04/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Chapel Hill, NC area range in price from $768 to $12,065 with an overall median price of $4,837. The three Chapel Hill neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Chapel Hill at $768, Chapel Hill East at $768, and Cameron McCauley at $768. 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$76841
Chapel Hill East$3,345$768620
Cameron McCauley$4,500$768582
Gimghoul Historic District$4,500$768606
Meadowmont$4,500$935645
Northside$4,500$768594
Southern Village$4,500$768130
UNC Chapel Hill$4,500$768154
University Place$4,500$768652
Carolina North$6,580$768283

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. Glenbrook East and West in the Downtown Durham neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $938. 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
Glenbrook East and WestThe Brightleaf GWII 5351BR,1BA$938
ShadowoodThe Oak1BR,1BA$946
Berkshire 54Cranwell R22BR,1BA$949
The Villages of Chapel HillThe Brighton - Cozy Studio Apartment HomeStudio,1BA$958
Nova Chapel HillRedwood1BR,1BA$970
Carolina Spring Senior ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$999
West End Flats1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1,006
Chateau ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,049
Trinity at the Hill1A1BR,1BA$1,050

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC

As of May 04, 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 Lenox - Renovated Model at Berkshire 54 starting at $1,376 with a $1.32 price per square foot in the Triple Crown Estates 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
Berkshire 54Lenox - Renovated2BR,1BA$1.32
Ashbrook Apartments2b/2b Georgetown A2BR,2BA$1.45
Booker Creek - Students save up to 10%!Serenity Townhome2BR,1.5BA$1.35
The Apartments at Midtown 501A11BR,1BA$1.18
Laurel Ridge ApartmentsColumbia2BR,1BA$1.35
Chateau ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.31
Poplar PlaceA11BR,1BA$1.41
Trinity at the Hill1A1BR,1BA$1.39
Nova Chapel HillRedwood1BR,1BA$1.45

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.

Read Article
Decorative image

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 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

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.

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.

Best Local Schools in
Chapel Hill, NC

School data provided by Great Schools

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

Explore Chapel Hill, NC Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

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

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

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 $1,050.

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 $4,837.

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 3,372 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 $1,654 which is $3,183 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

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 A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.