Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL from $400 with Swimming Pool (39 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Chicago.

close
View Me
4653 N Major Ave, Unit 2S
$1,400
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,400

Total Monthly Price
$1,400
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Jun 15

4653 N Major Ave, Unit 2S

4653 N Major AveChicago, IL 60630
Affordability
  • Smoke Free

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.

close
View Me
211 E. Ohio St.
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

211 E. Ohio St.

205-215 E Ohio StChicago, IL 60611
close
View Me
Hollywood Towers
1 Bedroom Apartments

Hollywood Towers

5701 N Sheridan RdChicago, IL 60660
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Luxury condo unit
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Luxury condo unit

333 N CanalChicago, IL 60606
Corporate Housing
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
600 N Lake Shore Dr
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

600 N Lake Shore Dr

600 N Lake Shore DrChicago, IL 60611
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
55 E Erie St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

55 E Erie St

55 E Erie StChicago, IL 60611
Corporate Housing
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
R+D659
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

R+D659

645-659 W Randolph StChicago, IL 60661
Furnished
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Illume
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Illume

111 S Peoria StChicago, IL 60607
Furnished

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

close
View Me
Orion Prospect
Rent Specials
$1,346 - $3,105
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,346 - $3,105

Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Orion Prospect

475 W Enterprise DrMount Prospect, IL 60056
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

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.

close
View Me
9565 Franklin Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

9565 Franklin Ave

9565 Franklin AveFranklin Park, IL 60131
  • Smoke Free

Chicago, IL Local Guide

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 Article
Decorative image

Best 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 Article
Decorative image

A 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 Article
Decorative image

Real 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 Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Chicago, IL Rentals by Map

View Map
Chicago, IL Apartments Map
View Map
Chicago, IL Rental Homes Map

Chicago, IL Area Reviews

  • Parks
  • Entertainment
  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
  • Location
  • Traffic
  • Public Transportation
  • Outdoor Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

Nicole4+ years in Chicago

April 10, 2026

Big 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 $710.

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 $7,339.

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 3,258 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 $553 which is $6,786 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

decorative image for A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Chicago article

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.

decorative image for Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Chicago article

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.

decorative image for Best Neighborhoods to Rent in Near Chicago's Top Employers article

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.

decorative image for Explore the Windy City (But Watch for Falling Ice) - An Insider's Guide to Renting in Chicago article

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

decorative image for Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units  article

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.

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent   article

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.

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

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.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

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.