
Cheap Apartments for Rent by Owner in Chicago, IL from $400 (53 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Chicago.


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2843 S Kildare Ave

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4355 S Sawyer Ave

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4865 W Concord Pl

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3149 W 42nd Pl, Unit 1st floor

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4149 S Maplewood Ave, Unit 1 Back

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5114 W Grace St, Unit Garden apartment

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3241 N Lawndale Ave, Unit 1

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4511 S Washtenaw Ave

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545 W Wellington, Unit A08C
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.

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2742 S Millard Ave

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8010 S Marshfield Ave, Unit 1 - First Floor

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738 E Marquette Rd

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5347 S Fairfield Ave, Unit 2

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2225 S Trumbull Ave, Unit Ground Floor

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833 W Wolfram St, Unit A09C

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3812 N Ashland Ave, Unit 1Main

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3718 N Hoyne Ave, Unit 2

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1735 W 17th St, Unit 2 R

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220 W 33rd St, Unit 2
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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6949 S Woodlawn Ave, Unit 1

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4653 N Major Ave, Unit 2S

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5255 N Mobile Ave, Unit 1

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6513 S Harvard Ave, Unit Garden Apt

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1018 W 32nd Pl

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2626 W 23rd Pl, Unit 2nd Floor

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8028 S Phillips Ave, Unit 3F

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4425 N Kenton Ave, Unit Kenton Basement

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3423 W Drummond Pl, Unit 2B

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1451 N Hamlin Ave, Unit G
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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4450 S Homan Ave, Unit 1

2043 N Cicero Ave, Unit 2S

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5608 N Marmora Ave, Unit 1

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510 W 45th St, Unit 1

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6329 S Loomis Blvd, Unit 2

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6154 S Mozart St, Unit Garden Level

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3422 W Grenshaw St, Unit 3422 W Grenshaw St, Chica

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3656 S Wood St, Unit The Woods

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720 N Homan Ave, Unit 2

5052 W Sunnyside Ave, Unit 3
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.

1117 Foster St

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1824 Oak Park Ave, Unit English Basement Apartmen

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7121 Stanley Ave, Unit C1

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89 Paxton Ave, Unit 89paxton

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1212 W 148th St

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724 W 138th St, Unit 3

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2037 Calumet Ave

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4823 Northcote Ave, Unit Back house

3106 Calwagner St, Unit 2

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1315 E 31st St, Unit 1
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.
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 | $2,016 | $600 | $9,700 |
| Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,476 | $600 | $9,987 |
| Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,074 | $850 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,860 | $883 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,091 | $970 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $7,344 | $1,895 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 6 Bedroom Apartments | $5,400 | $750 | $7,350 |
Explore Chicago

Chicago, IL Local Guide
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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 ArticleBest Neighborhoods to Rent in Near Chicago's Top Employers: A Guide for Renters
A Local Expert's Guide to The 10 Best Chicago Neighborhoods near Major Local Employers. Find your perfect Chicago, IL apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeLiving.com
Read ArticleA Local Expert's Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Chicago
A Local Expert's guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Chicago, IL metro area for affordable living. Find your perfect Chicago Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeliving.com
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick 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
Chicago, IL Area Reviews
Nicole • 4+ years in Chicago
April 10, 2026Big city challenges with traffic but also provides the amenities of the city you can't find elsewhere
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Chicago Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Chicago?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Chicago is at 5445 Ingleside By 3L Living listed at $684.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Chicago Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Chicago Apartment is $660 at West Haven Park II - B.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Chicago Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Chicago is starting from $192 at West Haven Park II - B.
What is the most affordable Chicago Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Chicago Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Coleman Place At Legends South and starts from $170.
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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

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.

Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Chicago
Written by: Nicole Harms
With world-class museums lining its streets, Chicago is a place people go to learn. It’s not surprising, therefore, that it’s also home to multiple colleges and universities with national and global reputations.

Best Neighborhoods to Rent in Near Chicago's Top Employers
Written by: Nicole Harms
Whenever life takes me into the city, I’m always impressed with the sheer amount of industry and commerce that it holds. With all of that commerce comes a wide range of employment options.

Explore the Windy City (But Watch for Falling Ice) - An Insider's Guide to Renting in Chicago
Written by: Nicole Harms
From Lake Shore Drive to the O’Hare Airport, the city of Chicago is a study in diversity, resilience, and culture.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.