
Cheap Pet Friendly Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL from $400 (1,251 Rentals)
Pet Friendly Chicago Rentals.
Cheap Apartments in Chicago.


Lakeside 6241

7954 S Drexel Ave

The Townhouse Apartments

The Boulevard at OC Living

South Shore Beach Apartments

7300 Venture Apartments

6248 S Western Ave

Shorewind Apartments

Bryn Mawr Belle Shore
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.

2408 W 63rd St

Total Monthly Price
6610 S Rhodes Ave, Unit G, Unit G

Lake Meadows Apartments

9453 S Loomis St, Unit 307

3957 W Irving Park Rd

5653 N Christiana Ave, Unit 3

1528 W Pratt Blvd

Museum Walk Apartments

2Sisters Apartments

Plaisance Apartments
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.

The Versailles Apartments

4037 W Melrose St, Unit 2

Total Monthly Price
4055 W Melrose St, Unit #2S, Unit #2S

Total Monthly Price
2254 S Albany Ave, Unit Basement, Unit Basement

Issel Building

3150 N Laramie Ave

4521 N. Malden St.

6930 N Greenview Ave

424 W. Diversey

721 W. Belmont
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.

Total Monthly Price
4829 S Tripp Ave, Unit 1R, Unit 1R

Paseo Boricua Arts Building

Chatham Grove

7722 N Marshfield Ave, Unit 3B

The Vivian

Midpointe

Ellis Court

3838 N. Broadway

Total Monthly Price
3835 N Fremont St, Unit A04C, Unit A04C

Total Monthly Price
5425 N Kenmore Ave
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.

1154 W Lunt Ave

323 W 51st St, Unit first floor

Total Monthly Price
5559 W Altgeld St, Unit 2S, Unit 2S

Greenview Apartments

5111 W Ferdinand St, Unit 2C

5559 W Altgeld St

2021 W 47th St

Southland Village

3510 N. Pine Grove

1100 W Roscoe St, Unit 16
Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money
What are amenity fees and are they optional? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about apartment amenity fees, including when you can opt out and how you might be able to lower your rent.
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 | $1,942 | $600 | $9,940 |
| Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,499 | $650 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,096 | $850 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,835 | $883 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,443 | $970 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $7,180 | $1,400 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 6 Bedroom Apartments | $6,031 | $750 | $10,000+ |
Explore Chicago

Chicago, IL Local Guide
- Chicago Neighborhoods
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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 ArticleDon'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 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 $724.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Chicago?
The cheapest apartment in Chicago is West Haven Park II - B which is listed at $660, while the average apartment in Chicago costs $7,640.
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 4,291 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 $519 which is $7,121 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Chicago.
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

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.

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.

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.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.