
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL from $400 with Washer/Dryer (234 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Chicago.


8113 S Drexel Ave, Unit Unit 3

Park Place Apartments

2702 S Homan Ave

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5317 W Newport Ave, Unit Garden Unit #1, Unit Garden Unit #1

7617 S Colfax Ave, Unit 104

3755 S Winchester Ave, Unit Garden Unit

3662 S Paulina St, Unit 1F

1916 S Fairfield Ave, Unit 2

3254 W Leland 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.

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6117 S Vernon Ave, Unit Bsm, Unit Bsm

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10144 S Wood St, Unit Basement, Unit Basement

1154 W Lunt Ave

The Lawrence House

3608 S Hermitage Ave, Unit Garden

8331 S South Shore Dr, Unit 1

Post Chicago

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5437 S Laflin St, Unit 2R, Unit 2R

7608 N Sheridan Rd, Unit 202, Unit 202

6008 N Winthrop Ave, Unit 206, Unit 206
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.

Sheridan Pratt Apartments

Lawrence Lofts

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645 W Wrightwood Ave, Unit A03C, Unit A03C

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5722 N Winthrop Ave

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2246 S Albany Ave, Unit 4F, Unit 4F

7827 S Ridgeland Ave, Unit 1

1634 W Howard St

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4606 N Monticello Ave, Unit 3S, Unit 3S

The Maynard at 5115 N Sheridan

8153 S Colfax 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.

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3425 N Monticello Ave, Unit G, Unit G

Hyde Park West

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The Trilogy at Hyde Park

924 W Newport Ave

Harbor Point Estates

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556 W Arlington Pl, Unit A07C, Unit A07C

4044 N California Ave, Unit 103, Unit 103

1639 W 38th Pl, Unit 1F

650 W 61st St, Unit 1st

Straits Row
Chicago Relocation 101: Mastering Utilities, Registration, and the CTA
Moving to Chicago? This essential relocation guide offers a complete checklist for new residents, covering finding the right neighborhood, setting up utilities (ComEd, People’s Gas), and mastering high-rise moving logistics and vehicle registration.

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1553 W Hollywood Ave

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5651 N Ashland Ave

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5638 N Ashland Ave, Unit S, Unit S

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931 W Dakin St

6655 N Newgard Ave

6945 N Ashland Ave

Anderson Point

Lathrop

6857 S Ridgeland Ave

6222 W Addison St
Explore the Windy City (But Watch for Falling Ice) - An Insider's Guide to Renting in Chicago
Learn about the best things about living in Chicago from a local in the Insiders Guide to Renting in Chicago. Find your perfect Chicago apartment today!
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 | $1,938 | $550 | $5,398 |
| Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,478 | $525 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,074 | $762 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,848 | $883 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,333 | $879 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $8,335 | $2,175 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 6 Bedroom Apartments | $6,915 | $2,475 | $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 ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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 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
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 Westhaven Park II - C which is listed at $754, while the average apartment in Chicago costs $7,734.
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 4,934 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 $485 which is $7,249 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

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.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.