
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL from $400 with Air Conditioning (563 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Chicago.


Highlands Tudor Manor - 55+ Community

Lakeside 6241

10k sqft LiveWork Space w Green/White Screen

7715 S South Shore Dr

4114 W Washington Blvd

The Sovereign
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.

5433 N Kenmore Ave

OC Living

Southland Village

6011 N Kenmore St

Boxelder Court
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.

Lakeside Grant Manor

Prairie Shores

6752 S Michigan Ave

76 E 68th St

Chatham Grove

Sheridan Apartments

1634 W Morse Ave, Unit Unit 310

1637 W Morse Ave, Unit Unit 205

3659 W Eddy St

The Victorian Apartments

Issel Building
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.

7728 N Marshfield Ave, Unit G

2034 W Warren Blvd

Dearborn Plaza

South Shore Beach Apartments

5708 N Winthrop Ave, Unit A01C

The Flamingo Apartments

930 W. Winona

5409 S Winchester Ave
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.

5240 N Winthrop Ave

9213 S Laflin St

Museum Walk Apartments

Times Square Apartments

Oglesby Towers Apartments

Plaisance Apartments

2Sisters Apartments

Campus Court Apartments

7724 N Marshfield Ave, Unit 1B

1840 N Humboldt Blvd, Unit 304
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.
Chicago, IL Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Chicago?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Chicago Studio Apartments | $1,878 | $575 | $8,000 |
Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,324 | $700 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,971 | $825 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,617 | $788 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,917 | $650 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $9,273 | $2,800 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 6 Bedroom Apartments | $18,466 | $1,795 | $10,000+ |
Explore Chicago

Chicago, IL Local Guide
- Chicago Neighborhoods
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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.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Chicago, IL Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Chicago, IL
Getting Around Chicago, IL
Walk Score®
83 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
77 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
66 / 100
Good Transit
Many 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 Chicago Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Chicago?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Chicago is under $780.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Chicago?
The cheapest apartment in Chicago is 1155 W 83rd St which is listed at $750, while the average apartment in Chicago costs $6,206.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Chicago?
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 2,618 regular apartments in Chicago 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 Chicago?
Cheap apartments in Chicago have an average cost of $489 which is $5,717 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Chicago.
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.

A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Chicago
Written by: Nicole Harms
I’m Nicole, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Chicago, IL. As a resident of the Chicago area for over 20 years, I’ve learned which neighborhoods are great and which are best avoided.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

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.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.