Cheap Homes for Rent in the Central Chicago Neighborhood of Chicago, IL from $1,700 (101 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Central Chicago area of Chicago.

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.

property at 40 E 9th St
$2,000 - $2,025
1 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

40 E 9th St

ChicagoIL60605
property at 801 S Plymouth Ct
$2,000

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,000

Total Monthly Price$2,000
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

801 S Plymouth Ct, Unit 319

801 S Plymouth Ct
ChicagoIL60605
property at 130 N Garland Ct
$2,000 - $2,100

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,000 - $2,100

Total Monthly Price$2,000 - $2,100
Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

130 N Garland Ct

ChicagoIL60602

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

property at 630 S Clark St
$2,030

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,030

Total Monthly Price$2,030
Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

630 S Clark St, Unit 3711

630 S Clark St
ChicagoIL60605
  • Smoke Free
property at 1400 S Michigan Ave
$2,100

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,100

Total Monthly Price$2,100
Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

1400 S Michigan Ave, Unit 27G

1400 S Michigan Ave
ChicagoIL60605
  • Smoke Free

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!

property at 701 S Wells St
$2,200

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,200

Total Monthly Price$2,200
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Oct 1
Affordability

701 S Wells St, Unit 803

701 S Wells St
ChicagoIL60607
property at 1307 S Wabash Ave
$2,200

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,200

Total Monthly Price$2,200
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

1307 S Wabash Ave, Unit 305

1307 S Wabash Ave
ChicagoIL60605
property at 20 N State St
$2,200

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,200

Total Monthly Price$2,200
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

20 N State St, Unit 1139

20 N State St
ChicagoIL60602
property at 235 W Van Buren St
$2,200 - $3,100

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,200 - $3,100

Total Monthly Price$2,200 - $3,100
1 To 2 Bedroom Condos for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

235 W Van Buren St

ChicagoIL60607

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.

property at 22 N State St
$2,200

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,200

Total Monthly Price$2,200
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

22 N State St, Unit 43c

22 N State St
ChicagoIL60602
  • Smoke Free
property at 1409 S Wabash Ave
$2,250
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

1409 S Wabash Ave

ChicagoIL60605
property at 106 W Polk St
$2,257
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now

106 W Polk St

ChicagoIL60605

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.

Central Chicago, Chicago, IL Local Guide

Cheapest Available Central Chicago Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Central Chicago area of Chicago, IL is a 4 Beds unit found at Straits Row priced from $1,599. 820 Michigan by 3L Living has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,669. Here are the most affordable Central Chicago apartments for rent in Chicago, IL:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Straits RowPrivate Bedspace in a D6 with Roommates4BR,4BA$1,599
820 Michigan by 3L LivingStudio NorthStudio,1BA$1,669
30 East RooseveltER_1x11BR,1BA$1,750
731 Plymouth by 3L Living1 Bedroom East1BR,1BA$1,929
330 S. Wells St02 Tier StudioStudio,1BA$1,950
Astoria TowerStudio 08AStudio,1BA$1,979
Park Michigan - 1212 S Michigan AveStudio 1ba 09Studio,1BA$2,003
777 South StateConvertible StudioStudio,1BA$2,005
Fisher Building ApartmentsA41BR,1BA$2,190
The Grand CentralS1Studio,1BA$2,216

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central Chicago, IL

As of September 11, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central Chicago area is the $1.22 price per square foot 5 Person Private Model at Dwight Lofts in the in the South Loop neighborhood starting from $1,354. The second greatest value Central Chicago apartment is the 3 Bed/2 Bath Model at 2001 S State St starting at $2,595 with a $2.36 price per square foot in the Near South Side neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central Chicago apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Dwight Lofts5 Person Private4BR,2BA$1.22
2001 S State St3 Bed/2 Bath3BR,2BA$2.36
The Regal Apartments2 Bedrooms Floor Plan B22BR,2BA$2.48
731 Plymouth by 3L Living2 Bedroom East2BR,1BA$2.57
Wells Place Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath A41BR,1BA$3.08
Carriage House Lofts1 BED 1 BATH1BR,1BA$2.47
30 East2 BEDROOM/2 BATHROOM - B32BR,2BA$2.32
1401 S. StateA13-R1BR,1BA$3.14
Fisher Building ApartmentsA41BR,1BA$3.02
30 East RooseveltER_1x11BR,1BA$3.03

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

Read Article

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.

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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Central Chicago, Chicago, IL

Ranked #27

Among cities in Illinois for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Central Chicago

What type of rentals are currently available in Central Chicago?

There are currently 186 Apartments for Rent in Central Chicago, IL with pricing that ranges from $1,024 to $29,374. There are also 243 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Central Chicago ranging from $1,854 to $13,150.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Central Chicago?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Central Chicago ranges from $1,854 to $13,150 with an average monthly rent of $3,004.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Central Chicago?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Central Chicago range from $1,024 to $14,271, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,600 to $13,150. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,500 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,025.

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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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.

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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.

decorative image for Chicago Relocation 101: Mastering Utilities, Registration, and the CTA article

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.

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

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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My! article

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

Written by: Robin Stewart

Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags   article

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.

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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.