Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown DeKalb Neighborhood of Dekalb, IL from $400 (7 Rentals)

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

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.

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 priced from $725. University Heights Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $780. Here are the most affordable Downtown DeKalb apartments for rent in Dekalb, IL:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Terraces at DekalbRussell Road StudioStudio,1BA$725
University Heights ApartmentsStStudio,1BA$780
The Terraces at Dekalb on Ridge DriveRidge Drive 1 Bed1BR,1BA$825

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown DeKalb, IL

As of October 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown DeKalb area is the $0.98 price per square foot Barrington Plaza Realty.. Model at Barrington Plaza Realty in the in the Devonaire Farms neighborhood starting from $1,650. The second greatest value Downtown DeKalb apartment is the 410 N 4th St Model at 410 N 4th St, Unit 410.5 starting at $1,450 with a $1.21 price per square foot in the DeKalb 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.
Barrington Plaza RealtyBarrington Plaza Realty..5BR,2BA$0.98
410 N 4th St, Unit 410.5410 N 4th St2BR,2BA$1.21
Amber Manor3 Bedroom Two Bathroom3BR,2BA$1.10
Colonial Apartments3 TH3BR,1.5BA$1.20
1015 Market St, Unit A11015 Market St2BR,1.5BA$1.50
Ashbury Court3 B3BR,1.5BA$1.19
309 Ash Ct, Unit A309 Ash Ct2BR,1BA$1.05
Lincolnshire West2bu2BR,1.5BA$1.66
Eco Park22BR,2BA$1.46
University Heights ApartmentsStStudio ,1BA$1.80

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Dekalb, Dekalb, IL

Ranked #1

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Getting Around the Downtown DeKalb Neighborhood in Dekalb, IL

Walk Score®

82 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

78 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

38 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

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 $1,135.

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 $1,650.

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 45 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 $419 which is $1,231 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown DeKalb.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.

decorative image for The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro article

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.