
Studio Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL Under $1,200 (404 Rentals)


Lake Meadows Apartments

Prairie Shores

5748 Blackstone By 3L Living

5445 Ingleside By 3L Living

6900 S South Shore Drive

5401 Cornell by 3L Living

5540 Hyde Park by 3L Living

4521 N. Malden St.

Cornell (The Greenstone)
The Windy City Price Tag: Your Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Chicago
Chicago may cost more than the national average, but with the right neighborhood, a smart transit strategy, and a few local insider tips, living well in the Windy City is more achievable than you might think. Our local expert breaks down everything from rent and groceries to transportation and healthcare so you can plan your move with confidence.

Lakeside Grant Manor

Washington Plaza

3957 W Irving Park Rd

Shorewind Apartments

The Townhouse Apartments

7701 S Stewart

7715 S South Shore

South Shore Beach Apartments

5836 W Madison

8201 S Ada St
Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Looking for the perfect new rental? Learn great ways to spot the perfect apartment for you, identify common red flags, and avoid rental issues and scams with these expert provided actionable tips.

808 W 76th

The Boulevard at OC Living

Bryn Mawr Belle Shore

6246 S. King Dr.

7300 Venture Apartments

7849-7853 S Coles Ave

656 W Belden Ave

Woodlawn Terrace

424 W. Diversey

7150-52 S Cornell 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!

1528 W Pratt Blvd

4721 S. Ellis Avenue

Jeffery Parkway Apartments

KLEO Art Residences

824 E 53rd St

Highlands Tudor Manor - 55+ Community

Lakeside 6241

Total Monthly Price
4546 N Malden St, Unit #106

Total Monthly Price
843 W Leland Ave, Unit J03P

Total Monthly Price
7445 N Greenview Ave, Unit 424
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.

Total Monthly Price
930 W Eastwood Ave, Unit #203

Total Monthly Price
4055 W Melrose St, Unit #2N

Total Monthly Price
5425 N Kenmore Ave

Total Monthly Price
6540 N Lakewood Ave, Unit S

Total Monthly Price
6538 N Lakewood Ave, Unit 6536-#3 Studio

Total Monthly Price
917 W Dakin St

Total Monthly Price
1442 W Howard St, Unit 12

Total Monthly Price
7020 S Jeffery Ave

4037 W Melrose St, Unit 2

3723 W Grand Ave, Unit 1
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
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 | $2,086 | $600 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,492 | $800 | $9,999 |
| Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,058 | $850 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,685 | $695 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,101 | $1,025 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $5,233 | $750 | $10,000+ |
| Chicago 6 Bedroom Apartments | $12,294 | $1,795 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in Chicago
See all Apartments in ChicagoExplore Chicago

Chicago, IL Local Guide
- Chicago Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
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 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 Studio Chicago Apartments
What is the Cheapest apartment in Chicago with Studio?
Currently the most affordable Studio in Chicago is at Highlands Tudor Manor - 55+ Community listed at $700.
How much is the average rent for a Studio Chicago Apartment?
The average rent for a Studio Apartment in Chicago is $2,086.
What is the largest available Studio Chicago Apartment for rent?
Today's apartment with the most square footage in Chicago is a 1,188 square feet unit starting from $3,108 at Cobbler Square Lofts.
What is the average size for Chicago Studio Apartments for rent?
The average size for a Studio rental in Chicago is currently 499 sq ft.
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

The Windy City Price Tag: Your Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Chicago
Written by: Nicole Harms
When choosing a place to live, there are many things you must consider. Your employer, your shopping preferences, and even schools are all important to think about. Yet cost of living is also important to know and plan for.

Best Places to Live Near Chicago: 5 Cities That Keep the Windy City Accessible
Written by: Nicole Harms
I’m Nicole, you’re ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Chicago. There’s no denying I love the Windy City. Yet there’s also no denying that rental homes in Chicago can be pricy, small, and hard to find.

Chicago Relocation 101: Mastering Utilities, Registration, and the CTA
Written by: Nicole Harms
Moving to a new city is always an exciting time, especially one as vibrant and diverse as Chicago. With world-class museums, a breathtaking lakefront, and numerous employment opportunities, there’s much to love about this city.

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

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.