
Cheap Apartments for Rent with Specials in Chicago, IL from $400 (57 Rentals)
Rental Listings with Specials.
Cheap Apartments in Chicago.


Bryn Mawr Belle Shore

Plaisance Apartments

The Lawrence House

Lake Meadows Apartments

Prairie Shores

Onyx on Sheridan

The Edison

The Annabelle Apartments
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.

Wyndham Apartments

641 W. Aldine

The Winnie

3812 N Ashland Ave, Unit 1Main

1049 West Oakdale Apartments
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.

The Pavilion

Gramercy Row Apartments

1940 N. Lincoln

The Oliver on LaSalle

536 W. Addison

3327 W Diversey Ave, Unit 137

618 W Patterson Ave, Unit 709

Sedgwick Apartments

Melrose Shores

21st Street Lofts by 3L Living

Hyde Park West

Onyx on North Shore
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

2934 W Palmer St, Unit 2936-105

4735 N Hermitage Ave, Unit 407

468 West Melrose

450 West Melrose Apartments

2630 N. Hampden

Canterbury Court Apartments

4038 N Ashland Ave, Unit e1

500 W. Belmont

The Draper
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Berteau Manor

The Deco North Lake Shore

16 W Busse Ave

Pleasant Oak

Sunset Lake

The Banc Hammond

Elmhurst Terrace
Chicago's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about Chicago and the best places to live with original content written by our Chicago, IL Local Expert Nicole Harms

Green Oaks Apartments

Boulevard North Townhomes

Terraces of Elk Grove
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 | $2,083 | $575 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,664 | $575 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,193 | $900 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,738 | $1,075 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,365 | $1,040 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $5,213 | $2,200 | $10,000+ |
Chicago 6 Bedroom Apartments | $6,772 | $4,795 | $10,000+ |
Explore Chicago

Chicago, IL Local Guide
- Chicago Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
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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.
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 $765.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Chicago?
The cheapest apartment in Chicago is 5445 Ingleside By 3L Living which is listed at $748, while the average apartment in Chicago costs $3,391.
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 2,153 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 $437 which is $2,954 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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.