Cheap Homes for Rent in Chicago, IL from $600 (1,782 Rentals)

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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.

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.

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!

Cash 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.

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.

Chicago, IL Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Chicago, IL

Pricing Updated: 12/09/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Chicago, IL area range in price from $250 to $77,776 with an overall median price of $6,233. The three Chicago neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Indiana Harbor at $850, Marktown at $850, and West Calumet at $850. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Chicago Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Indiana Harbor$965$8502
Marktown$977$8504
West Calumet$1,225$8503
East Side$1,300$1,3006
Brinkmans$1,329$78745
Edgewood$1,329$78745
Village Green$1,329$78745
South Deering$1,350$72512
West Humboldt Park$1,372$1,3504
Lake Katherine$1,400$1,1505

Cheapest Available Chicago Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Chicago, IL is a Studio unit found at 5445 Ingleside By 3L Living in the Hyde Park neighborhood priced from $639. 6246 S. King Dr. in the Washington Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $675. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Chicago apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
5445 Ingleside By 3L LivingLarge Co-Living Single RoomStudio,1BA$639
6246 S. King Dr.EfficienciesStudio,1BA$675
7941 S MarquetteStudio ApartmentStudio,1BA$680
5540 Hyde Park by 3L LivingEfficiency Studio - NorthStudio,1BA$688
5748 Blackstone By 3L LivingNo Kitchenette with Shared BathroomStudio,1BA$688
Highlands Tudor Manor - 55+ CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$700
8208 S Drexel AveStudio ApartmentStudio,1BA$765
7850 S Constance AveStudio ApartmentStudio,1BA$775
10k sqft LiveWork Space w Green/White ScreenManhattan Style Loft3BR,2BA$788

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL

As of December 10, 2025 the best value apartment in the Chicago area is the $0.19 price per square foot 1435 N Dearborn St Model at 1435 N Dearborn St, Unit B4 in the in the Magnificent Mile neighborhood starting from $1,895. The second greatest value Chicago apartment is the 723 W Barry Ave Model at 723 W Barry Ave, Unit 1 starting at $1,950 with a $0.20 price per square foot in the Lakeview neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Chicago apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1435 N Dearborn St, Unit B41435 N Dearborn St1BR,1BA$0.19
723 W Barry Ave, Unit 1723 W Barry Ave1BR,1BA$0.20
10k sqft LiveWork Space w Green/White ScreenManhattan Style Loft3BR,2BA$0.08
3134 W Carroll Ave, Unit 23134 W Carroll Ave6BR,2BA$0.48
4128 N Lincoln Ave, Unit #2R4128 N Lincoln Ave2BR,1BA$0.19
3409 W Fullerton Ave, Unit 3401-23409 W Fullerton Ave2BR,2BA$0.28
3409 W Fullerton Ave, Unit #3401-23409 W Fullerton Ave2BR,2BA$0.28
6164 N Hamilton Ave, Unit Garden unit6164 N Hamilton Ave2BR,1BA$0.54
1217 S Austin Blvd, Unit 11217 S Austin Blvd3BR,1BA$0.52
3616 W Lexington St, Unit 23616 W Lexington St1BR,1BA$0.59

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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The 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.

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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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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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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago

What type of rentals are currently available in Chicago?

There are currently 24682 Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL with pricing that ranges from $550 to $77,776. There are also 6078 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Chicago ranging from $610 to $58,000.

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

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Chicago ranges from $610 to $58,000 with an average monthly rent of $3,826.

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

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Chicago range from $740 to $38,481, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $610 to $40,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $610 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,040.

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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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.