
Cheap Homes for Rent in Elgin, IA from $500 (19 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Elgin.


208 W Main St

105 Ludland Dr

5900 Osage Rd

27 2nd Ave SE

235 Madison St
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.

420 Boston Ave

2014 Clearview St

2001 City View St

613 Hope Ave

429 Anthony 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.

1148 Columbia St

403 9th Ave SW

1126 Columbia St

823 Glenwood St

1911 Spring View St

1122 Steely St
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.

406 Riehl St
Elgin, IA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Elgin?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $871 | $750 | $1,200 |
| Elgin 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,147 | $749 | $1,500 |
| Elgin 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,237 | $1,150 | $1,450 |
| Elgin 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,083 | $1,550 | $3,000 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Elgin
Explore Elgin
Elgin, IA Local Guide
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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 $600. 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 | $600 |
| Meadow Ridge Apartments | 1 BR/ 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $625 |
| Kent Circle | Updated Cozy 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath Apartment in SW... | 1BR,1BA | $760 |
| 228 Spaces - Furnished Micro-Living Apartments | 2nd Floor Studio | Studio,1BA | $795 |
| Brentwood Estates Apartments | Spacious One-Bedroom Apartment – Comfortable, P... | 1BR,1BA | $795 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Elgin, IA and Nearby
As of April 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the Elgin area is the $0.81 price per square foot 3BR/2B Model at Lawler School Lofts in the starting from $969. The second greatest value Elgin apartment is the Two Bedroom (A2) Model at Arrow Ridge starting at $1,395 with a $1.16 price per square foot . 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawler School Lofts | 3BR/2B | 3BR,2BA | $0.81 |
| Arrow Ridge | Two Bedroom (A2) | 2BR,1BA | $1.16 |
| Riverwalk Residences | 1st Month Free | 2BR,2BA | $1.19 |
| 3714 Ravenwood Cir | 2 BR/ 2 BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.10 |
| Rolling Meadows Apartments | 3 bedroom/2bath | 3BR,2BA | $0.96 |
| 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 |
| Legacy Manor of Waterloo - 55+ Living | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.16 |
| Meadow Ridge Apartments | 1 BR/ 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.02 |
| The Meadows Apartments | Otter Creek 1Bd | 1BR,1BA | $1.00 |
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 ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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 ArticleCash 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 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 Elgin
What type of rentals are currently available in Elgin?
There are currently 55 Apartments for Rent in Elgin, IA with pricing that ranges from $500 to $2,500. There are also 40 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Elgin ranging from $575 to $3,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Elgin?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Elgin ranges from $575 to $3,000 with an average monthly rent of $1,192.
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

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.

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.

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.

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.