Top Rated Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL from $400 (87 Rentals)

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Top Rated Apartments in Chicago.

Cheap Apartments in Chicago.

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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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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Devonshire Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Devonshire Apartments

7260 S South Shore DrChicago, IL 60649
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73rd St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

73rd St

7345 S South Shore DrChicago, IL 60649
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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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7925 S Phillips
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

7925 S Phillips

7923 S Phillips AveChicago, IL 60617
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Columbus Tower
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Columbus Tower

7855 S Kedzie AveChicago, IL 60652
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8001 S Ellis
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

8001 S Ellis

8001-8009 S Ellis AveChicago, IL 60619
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The Max Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Max Apartments

5135 S Blackstone AveChicago, IL 60615
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1632 W. Belmont
Studio Apartments

1632 W. Belmont

1632 W Belmont AveChicago, IL 60657
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7800 S Laflin Street
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

7800 S Laflin Street

7800-7804 S Laflin StChicago, IL 60620
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8101 S Drexel
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

8101 S Drexel

8101-8105 S Drexel AveChicago, IL 60619
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7643 S Stewart
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

7643 S Stewart

7643-7657 S Stewart AveChicago, IL 60620
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8000 S Paulina
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

8000 S Paulina

8000-8010 S Paulina StChicago, IL 60620
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3834 N Sheffield
Studio Apartments

3834 N Sheffield

3834 N Sheffield AveChicago, IL 60613
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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.

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The Kenmore Gardens
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Kenmore Gardens

5534-5538 N Kenmore AveChicago, IL 60640
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11250 S Indiana
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

11250 S Indiana

11250-11256 S Indiana AveChicago, IL 60628
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1666 Pratt
1 Bedroom Apartments

1666 Pratt

1666 W Pratt BlvdChicago, IL 60626
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Cermak-MASTER
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cermak-MASTER

3635-3645 W Cermak RdChicago, IL 60623
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4815 W Monroe
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

4815 W Monroe

4815 W Monroe StChicago, IL 60644
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500 W. Fullerton Parkway
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

500 W. Fullerton Parkway

500-508 W Fullerton PkyChicago, IL 60614
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The Sovereign Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Sovereign Apartments

1606-1624 W Granville AveChicago, IL 60660
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536 W. Addison
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

536 W. Addison

536 W Addison StChicago, IL 60613

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!

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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

Explore Chicago, IL Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Chicago, IL

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Chicago, IL Area Reviews

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Nicole • 4+ 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 $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 $7,511.

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 3,367 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 $565 which is $6,946 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.