
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Chicago Neighborhood of Chicago, IL from $700 (206 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Chicago area of Chicago.


Dearborn Plaza

Prairie Shores

Fulbrix Apartments

3153 S May St, Unit 1R

Gramercy Row Apartments

445 E Ohio St

330 S Wells St

150 N Ashland Ave

445 E Ohio St
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.

61 W Erie St

1164 N Dearborn

21st Street Lofts by 3L Living

Prairie CoLiving

1160 N Dearborn St, Unit 212

1836 S Blue Island Ave

Total Monthly Price
1836 S Blue Island Ave, Unit 3F

14 West Elm Apartments

340 E North Water St

61 W Erie St
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.

Eden Commons

1210 S Indiana Ave

61 W Erie St

210 N Wells St

1316 W 18th St

3115 S Racine Ave, Unit 2R

Total Monthly Price
1160 N Dearborn St, Unit #1164-304

Total Monthly Price
1160 N Dearborn St, Unit J01W

Total Monthly Price
1154 N Dearborn St, Unit 304

215 W Lake 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!

201 N Garland Ct

Straits Row

1100 N La Salle Dr

25 E. Delaware

Canterbury Court Apartments

Total Monthly Price
2046 W Iowa St, Unit G

652 N Noble St

Total Monthly Price
3149 S Emerald Ave, Unit 2R

Total Monthly Price
2046 W Iowa St, Unit G1

2918 S Haynes Ct
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

340 E North Water St

420 E Ohio St

77 W Huron St

215 W Lake St

55 W. Chestnut

77 W Huron St

Westhaven Park Station

201 N Garland Ct

188 N Wells St

1100 North Lasalle
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
Downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Chicago?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Chicago Studio Apartments | $2,385 | $1,105 | $5,225 |
| Downtown Chicago 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,947 | $800 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Chicago 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,111 | $1,200 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Chicago 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,117 | $1,065 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Chicago 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,968 | $1,040 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Chicago 5 Bedroom Apartments | $11,899 | $2,800 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 206 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Chicago Neighborhood of Chicago, IL.
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Downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL Local Guide
- Nearby Chicago neighborhoods
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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 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $754. Here are the most affordable Downtown Chicago apartments for rent in Chicago, IL:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Haven Park II - B | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,1BA | $192 |
| Westhaven Park II - C | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $754 |
| Maple | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,230 |
| Addams Coliving | Unit 207 | 4BR,4BA | $1,250 |
| Gramercy Row Apartments | Studio Floor Plan S7 | Studio,1BA | $1,324 |
| 1164 N Dearborn | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,325 |
| Prairie CoLiving | Private bedroom with en-suite bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,350 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Chicago, IL
As of February 17, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Chicago area is the $1.18 price per square foot 1901 S May St Model at 1901 S May St, Unit 1 in the in the University Village neighborhood starting from $3,000. The second greatest value Downtown Chicago apartment is the 831 N Ashland Ave Model at 831 N Ashland Ave, Unit 2 starting at $3,000 with a $1.50 price per square foot in the West Town neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Chicago apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 S May St, Unit 1 | 1901 S May St | 3BR,2.5BA | $1.18 |
| 831 N Ashland Ave, Unit 2 | 831 N Ashland Ave | 5BR,1.5BA | $1.50 |
| 1935 S Canalport Ave | Apartment 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2.5BA | $0.93 |
| 1822 S Throop St, Unit 2F | 1822 S Throop St | 3BR,2BA | $1.36 |
| 1900 S Throop St, Unit 6 | 1900 S Throop St | 3BR,1BA | $1.40 |
| 30 East | 4 BEDROOM/4 BATHROOM - D | 4BR,4BA | $1.24 |
| 2641 S Princeton Ave, Unit 1F | 2641 S Princeton Ave | 3BR,1BA | $1.33 |
| Westhaven Park II - C | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $0.92 |
| Student | The Flats East West | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $1.23 |
| West Haven Park II - B | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.37 |
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.
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.
Best Local Schools in Downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL
South Loop Elementary School
Jones College Prep High School
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 $1,350.
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 $192, while the average apartment in Downtown Chicago costs $32,542.
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 304 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 $492 which is $32,050 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

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

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.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.