Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Waterfront Neighborhood of Detroit, MI from $500 (30 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Waterfront area of Detroit.

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.

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Islandview Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Islandview Apartments

445 Field StDetroit, MI 48214
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Grand Place Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Grand Place Apartments

190 E Grand BlvdDetroit, MI 48207
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Noel Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Noel Village

2158 Chene StDetroit, MI 48207
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Wilner's Arms
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Wilner's Arms

133 E Grand BlvdDetroit, MI 48207
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Chene Park Commons
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chene Park Commons

2001 Chene StDetroit, MI 48207
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Elmwood Tower
1 Bedroom Apartments

Elmwood Tower

1325 Chene StDetroit, MI 48207
Senior Living
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Regency Place
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Regency Place

1941 Chene CtDetroit, MI 48207
  • Utilities Included
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Circle Drive Commons
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Circle Drive Commons

1440 Robert Bradby DrDetroit, MI 48207
  • Utilities Included
property at 2900 E Jefferson Ave

$1,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,400

Total Monthly Price
$1,400

1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

2900 E Jefferson Ave

DetroitMI48207

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.

Waterfront, Detroit, MI Local Guide

Cheapest Available Waterfront Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Waterfront area of Detroit, MI is a Studio unit found at Regency Tower priced from $799. Lafayette Towers has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $824. Here are the most affordable Waterfront apartments for rent in Detroit, MI:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Regency TowerStudio BStudio,1BA$799
Lafayette TowersHartStudio,1BA$824
City Club Apartments Lafayette ParkA1BR,1BA$1,020
Jean RivardThe Quarter1BR,1BA$1,060
Lafayette Park Place - Detroit, MIStudioStudio,1BA$1,100
Central Park1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1,125
Palms EastGarden 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,200
River PlaceApartment - 1/11BR,1BA$1,200
Orleans LandingA1BR,1BA$1,625
DuCharme Place ApartmentsC42BR,2BA$1,895

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Waterfront, MI

As of May 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Waterfront area is the $1.56 price per square foot Rooftop - 3/2 Model at River Place in the in the Downtown Detroit neighborhood starting from $1,950. The second greatest value Waterfront apartment is the C Model at Waters Edge Apartments of Harbortown starting at $2,525 with a $2.15 price per square foot in the Downtown Detroit neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Waterfront apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
River PlaceRooftop - 3/23BR,2BA$1.56
Waters Edge Apartments of HarbortownC2BR,2BA$2.15
DuCharme Place ApartmentsC22BR,2BA$2.02
Jean RivardThe Quarter1BR,1BA$1.27
Palms EastBalcony1BR,1BA$1.69
Central Park1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.73
Lafayette Park Place - Detroit, MIStudioStudio ,1BA$1.69
City Club Apartments Lafayette ParkA31BR,1BA$1.96
Lafayette TowersHartStudio ,1BA$1.99
Regency TowerStudio BStudio ,1BA$2.15

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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The Best Detroit Area Neighborhoods for Off-Campus Housing Renters

A Local Expert's guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Detroit area for Off-Campus Student Housing. Find your perfect Detroit 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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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Waterfront, Detroit, MI

Ranked #53

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, and customized analysis for Central Detroit. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and the best outdoor access, pet-friendly features, places that make kids happy, proximity to transit, and other valuable search options. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Waterfront Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Waterfront?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Waterfront is under $1,895.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Waterfront?

The cheapest apartment in Waterfront is Regency Tower which is listed at $999, while the average apartment in Waterfront costs $2,700.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Waterfront?

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 4 regular apartments in Waterfront that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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 Detroit Local Expert’s Guide to the 10 Best Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent

Written by: Tim Brown

I'm Tim, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Detroit, Michigan. My family and I have lived in metro Detroit since the late 1990s.

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The Best Detroit Area Neighborhoods for Off-Campus Housing Renters

Written by: Tim Brown

Detroit is an exciting and vibrant city with many educational and employment opportunities, and many neighborhoods to choose from while attending school.

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The Detroit Insiders Renting Guide: A Locals Look Under the Hood of Motown

Written by: Tim Brown

I'm Tim, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Detroit, Michigan. My family and I have lived in metro Detroit since the late 1990s and have witnessed the city and its surrounding metro area undergo a renaissance.

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Relocate to Detroit: Top Neighborhoods and Apartment Options Near Major Area Employers

Written by: Tim Brown

The auto industry remains the largest employment sector in the Motor City and surrounding communities, though the metro area has a significant presence in other sectors, including medical and financial services.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

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.