
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Elgin, IA from $500 (36 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Elgin.


The Meadows Apartments

Meadow Ridge Apartments

Russell Lamson

228 Spaces - Furnished Micro-Living Apartments

Falls Edge Studios

Brentwood Estates Apartments

Park @ Nine23
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.

Rolling Meadows Apartments

Union at North Crossing

Le Chateau

Legacy Manor of Waterloo - 55+ Living

131 S Vine St

313 Dearborn Ave

235 Madison St

208 W Main St

269 Madison 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.

1137 Columbia St

5900 Osage Rd

227 Madison St

1224-1282 W Mullan Ave

2001 City View St

124-136 Earl St

1637 Carriage Hill Dr

The Preserve at Crossroads

120 3rd St NE
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.

Westwood Apartments

1132 Ackermant St

1233 Logan Ave

151 French St

230 Polk St

538 Sherman Ave

243 Polk St

1150 Home Park Blvd

511 S Frederick Ave
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.
Elgin, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Elgin?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin Studio Apartments | $975 | $652 | $1,195 |
| Elgin 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,152 | $500 | $1,630 |
| Elgin 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,223 | $700 | $1,850 |
| Elgin 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,505 | $850 | $1,900 |
Browse Top Apartments in Elgin
See all Apartments in ElginExplore Elgin
Elgin, IA Local Guide
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Available Elgin Apartments for Rent and Nearby
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Elgin, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at The Meadows Apartments in the Southlawn Court neighborhood priced from $620. Meadow Ridge Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $625. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Elgin apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Meadows Apartments | Otter Creek 1Bd | 1BR,1BA | $620 |
| Meadow Ridge Apartments | 1 BR/ 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $625 |
| Russell Lamson | Studio | Studio,1BA | $652 |
| Kent Circle | Updated Cozy 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath Apartment in SW... | 1BR,1BA | $760 |
| Falls Edge Studios | Studio B REV | Studio,1BA | $800 |
| Union at North Crossing | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $850 |
| Park @ Nine23 | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $850 |
| Edgemont Park Apartments | One Bedroom Apartment With Poolside Balcony At ... | 1BR,1BA | $915 |
| Leavitt Park Apartments - Waterloo, IA | ***FIRST MONTH FREE!*** 2 Bed 1 Bath | Leavitt ... | 2BR,1BA | $920 |
| Kinsale Condominiums | Two Bedroom w/ Garage | 2BR,1BA | $995 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Elgin, IA and Nearby
As of June 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Elgin area is the $1.16 price per square foot Two Bedroom (A2) Model at Arrow Ridge in the starting from $1,395. The second greatest value Elgin apartment is the 1st Month Free Model at Riverwalk Residences starting at $1,250 with a $1.19 price per square foot in the Downtown Waterloo neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Elgin apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrow Ridge | Two Bedroom (A2) | 2BR,1BA | $1.16 |
| Riverwalk Residences | 1st Month Free | 2BR,2BA | $1.19 |
| Rush Mills: 505 Enterprise | Third Floor | 2BR,2BA | $1.28 |
| 3714 Ravenwood Cir | 2 BR/ 2 BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.10 |
| West Brook Apartments | Brand New 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Units at West Br... | 2BR,2BA | $1.15 |
| Kinsale Condominiums | Two Bedroom w/ Garage | 2BR,1BA | $1.02 |
| Leavitt Park Apartments - Waterloo, IA | ***FIRST MONTH FREE!*** 2 Bed 1 Bath | Leavitt ... | 2BR,1BA | $1.31 |
| Union at North Crossing | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.23 |
| Meadow Ridge Apartments | 1 BR/ 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.02 |
| The Meadows Apartments | Otter Creek 1Bd | 1BR,1BA | $1.03 |
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 ArticleReal 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.
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.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Elgin, IA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Elgin, IA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Elgin Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Elgin?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Elgin is at Russell Lamson listed at $652.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Elgin Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Elgin Apartment is $620 at The Meadows Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Elgin Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Elgin is starting from $750 at The Meadows Apartments.
What is the most affordable Elgin Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Elgin Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Meadows Apartments and starts from $850.
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

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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.
