
Cheap Apartments for Rent with Specials in Chicago, IL from $400 (62 Rentals)
Rental Listings with Specials.
Cheap Apartments in Chicago.


824 E 53rd St

Washington Plaza

5957 W Madison

Plaisance Apartments

Total Monthly Price
7935 S Dante Ave, Unit #1, Unit #1

The Edison

Mayfair Apartments

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

7501-7509 S Stewart Ave
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.

The Winnie

641 W. Aldine

6900 S South Shore Drive

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5559 W Altgeld St, Unit 1, Unit 1

Clarendon Shores

Madison Park Apartments

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717 W Belmont Ave, Unit 739-112, Unit 739-112

Wyndham Apartments

Total Monthly Price
4542 N Damen Ave, Unit 412, Unit 412

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503 W Belmont Ave, Unit 7k, Unit 7k
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.

8043 S Maryland Ave

Gramercy Row Apartments

Hyde Park West

924 W Newport Ave

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535 W Arlington Pl, Unit 536-114, Unit 536-114

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4735 N Hermitage Ave, Unit 204, Unit 204

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6022 N Winthrop Ave

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832 W Wolfram St, Unit 837-102, Unit 837-102

Buena Terrace - 4242 N Sheridan Rd

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468 West Melrose
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
912 W Dakin St, Unit 917-110, Unit 917-110

Straits Row

Canterbury Court Apartments

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The Trilogy at Hyde Park

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4912 N Hoyne Ave, Unit 2102-1E, Unit 2102-1E

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6810 S Calumet Ave

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813 W Cornelia Ave, Unit 821A-213, Unit 821A-213

MDA Apartments

Total Monthly Price
1335 N Dearborn St, Unit 1347-506, Unit 1347-506

1100 North Lasalle
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.

Total Monthly Price
4417 N Wolcott Ave, Unit 07-B1, Unit 07-B1

Total Monthly Price
2842 N Orchard St, Unit 2844-27, Unit 2844-27

1117 Foster St

Sunset Lake

The Banc Hammond

Mont Clare

Green Oaks Apartments

Boulevard North Townhomes

Elmhurst Terrace

1627-45 Ridge Ave.
Best Places to Live Near Chicago: 5 Cities That Keep the Windy City Accessible
Looking for a rental near Chicago? These five cities offer excellent options! From small-town charm to excellent business options, you can't go wrong!
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 | $1,951 | $550 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,517 | $520 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,114 | $850 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,914 | $883 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,737 | $970 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $7,769 | $1,405 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 6 Bedroom Apartments | $5,935 | $750 | $9,733 |
Explore Chicago

Chicago, IL Local Guide
- Chicago Neighborhoods
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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 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 $726.
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 $7,639.
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 4,856 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 $502 which is $7,137 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.