Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Chicago Neighborhood of Chicago, IL from $600 (111 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Chicago area of 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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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

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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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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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Downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Chicago Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Chicago area of Chicago, IL is a 3 Beds unit found at West Haven Park II - B priced from $192. Westhaven Park II - C has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $268. Here are the most affordable Downtown Chicago apartments for rent in Chicago, IL:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
West Haven Park II - B3 Bedroom3BR,1BA$192
Westhaven Park II - C3 Bedroom3BR,1BA$268
Maple1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1,230
11 W. DivisionStudioStudio,1BA$1,245
McCrory Senior Apartments1 Bed 60%1BR,1BA$1,300
Prairie ShoresRenovated StudioStudio,1BA$1,310
The 808 ClevelandD5 | leasing per bedroom4BR,3BA$1,349
Prairie CoLivingPrivate bedroom with en-suite bathroom1BR,1BA$1,350
25 E. DelawareStudio 1Studio,1BA$1,395
1036 N. DearbornStudioStudio,1BA$1,395

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Chicago, IL

As of May 19, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Chicago area is the $1.76 price per square foot 1224 W Augusta Blvd Model at 1224 W Augusta Blvd, Unit 2 in the in the West Loop neighborhood starting from $4,495. The second greatest value Downtown Chicago apartment is the Apartment 3 Bedroom Model at 1935 S Canalport Ave starting at $1,825 with a $0.93 price per square foot in the South Loop neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Chicago apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1224 W Augusta Blvd, Unit 21224 W Augusta Blvd2BR,2BA$1.76
1935 S Canalport AveApartment 3 Bedroom3BR,2.5BA$0.93
1822 S Throop St, Unit 2F1822 S Throop St3BR,2BA$1.36
901 W 19th St, Unit 3901 W 19th St3BR,1BA$1.79
Tailor LoftsVanBuren4BR,4BA$0.96
West Haven Park II - B3 Bedroom3BR,1BA$1.13
1943 W 21st Pl, Unit 1R1943 W 21st Pl2BR,1BA$1.75
2914 S Wells St, Unit 22914 S Wells St3BR,1BA$1.80
3139 S Parnell Ave, Unit 13139 S Parnell AveStudio ,1BA$1.55
Westhaven Park II - C1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$0.98

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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Best Local Schools in
Downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, and customized analysis for Central Chicago. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, luxury amenities, family-friendly amenities, raising pets, transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Chicago Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Chicago?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Chicago is under $1,395.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Chicago?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Chicago is West Haven Park II - B which is listed at $660, while the average apartment in Downtown Chicago costs $28,457.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 194 regular apartments in Downtown 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 Downtown Chicago?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Chicago have an average cost of $615 which is $27,842 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown 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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.