Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC from $400 (65 Rentals)

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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612 Hillsborough
2 Bedroom Apartments

612 Hillsborough

612 Hillsborough StChapel Hill, NC 27514
  • Utilities Included

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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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.

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Chapel Hill, NC Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Chapel Hill, NC

Pricing Updated: 12/13/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Chapel Hill, NC area range in price from $839 to $13,475 with an overall median price of $3,311. The three Chapel Hill neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are UNC Chapel Hill at $895, Downtown Chapel Hill at $975, and Southern Village at $849. 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
UNC Chapel Hill$1,700$895215
Downtown Chapel Hill$1,728$97535
Southern Village$1,728$849199
Greater Chapel Hill$1,875$8391647
University Place$2,432$985378
Meadowmont$2,752$985465
Gimghoul Historic District$3,304$895317
Chapel Hill East$3,536$975354
Northside$3,580$849357
Cameron McCauley$3,612$849340

Cheapest Available Chapel Hill Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Chapel Hill, NC is a 1 Bed unit found at Carolina Spring Senior Apartments in the Triple Crown Estates neighborhood priced from $849. The Villages of Chapel Hill in the Lafayette neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $895. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Chapel Hill apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Carolina Spring Senior ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$849
The Villages of Chapel HillThe Brighton - Cozy Studio Apartment HomeStudio,1BA$895
ShadowoodThe Oak1BR,1BA$910
Glenbrook East and WestThe Brightleaf GW 7001BR,1BA$934
Berkshire 54Cranwell R22BR,1BA$949
Crossings @ 5011x1 Creekview Classic- Call for Availability1BR,1BA$950
Lenox at Patterson PlaceDoverStudio,1BA$999
Poplar PlaceA11BR,1BA$1,006
West End Flats2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom2BR,2BA$1,039
Link Apartments® CalyxS1Studio,1BA$1,044

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Chapel Hill, NC

As of December 13, 2025 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 B1 Model at Kelby Farms starting at $1,667 with a $1.47 price per square foot in the Downtown Durham 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
Kelby FarmsB12BR,2BA$1.47
Dobbins Hill Apartment Homes3 Bed 2 Bath3BR,2BA$1.41
Rock Creek ApartmentsSycamore2BR,2BA$1.40
J 501 EstatesSydney1BR,1BA$1.44
Poplar PlaceB12BR,1BA$1.36
Chapel ViewThe Carolina2BR,2BA$1.48
Avana 55TwelveA21BR,1BA$1.46
Laurel Ridge ApartmentsLaurel1BR,1BA$1.40
Glen Lennox Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bath A2BR,1BA$1.47

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

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.

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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.

Chapel Hill, NC
Population: 60,988

Ranked #618

in US Census Population by City

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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

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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

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

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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

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 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 $1,044.

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 $3,311.

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 2,564 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 $1,290 which is $2,021 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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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.

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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!