Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown DeKalb Neighborhood of Dekalb, IL from $400 (9 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown DeKalb area of Dekalb.

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.

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.

Downtown DeKalb, Dekalb, IL Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown DeKalb Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown DeKalb area of Dekalb, IL is a Studio unit found at The Terraces at Dekalb on Ridge Drive priced from $725. Ashbury Court has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $815. Here are the most affordable Downtown DeKalb apartments for rent in Dekalb, IL:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Terraces at Dekalb on Ridge DriveRidge Drive StudioStudio,1BA$725
Ashbury CourtSTStudio,1BA$815
University Heights Apartments1B1BR,1BA$895

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown DeKalb, IL

As of April 18, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown DeKalb area is the $0.98 price per square foot 4 TH Model at Mason Townhouse Suites in the in the Devonaire Farms neighborhood starting from $2,150. The second greatest value Downtown DeKalb apartment is the 3 Model at Eco Park starting at $1,290 with a $1.32 price per square foot in the Devonaire Farms neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown DeKalb apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Mason Townhouse Suites4 TH4BR,3BA$0.98
Eco Park33BR,2BA$1.32
831 Kimberly Dr, Unit 5831 Kimberly Dr2BR,1BA$0.95
The Terraces at DekalbLincoln Hwy 2 Bed2BR,1BA$1.43
University Heights Apartments1B1BR,1BA$1.58
Ashbury CourtSTStudio ,1BA$1.98
University Plaza ApartmentsA1 Floor Plan1BR,1BA$3.15

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

Read Article
Decorative image

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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Dekalb, Dekalb, IL

Ranked #2

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown DeKalb Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown DeKalb?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown DeKalb is under $2,150.

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

The cheapest apartment in Downtown DeKalb is The Terraces at Dekalb on Ridge Drive which is listed at $825, while the average apartment in Downtown DeKalb costs $2,350.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown DeKalb?

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 17 regular apartments in Downtown DeKalb 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 DeKalb?

Cheap apartments in Downtown DeKalb have an average cost of $333 which is $2,017 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown DeKalb.

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

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.