Cheap Apartments for Rent in Essex, MA from $1,300 (21 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Essex.

Salem Heights

The Residences at St. James

Salem Highlands
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Terrace Gardens

Bayside Apartments

The Heights At Cape Ann

Maple Square Apartments

Terrace Estates Apartments
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

8 Joyce St

2 Mary Helen Way

24 Chestnut St

401 Cabot St
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Essex, MA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Essex?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Essex Studio Apartments | $2,318 | $1,610 | $6,429 |
Essex 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,829 | $1,350 | $7,200 |
Essex 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,414 | $1,500 | $10,000+ |
Essex 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,537 | $2,650 | $9,651 |
Browse Top Apartments in Essex
See all Apartments in EssexExplore Essex
Essex, MA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Essex Apartments for Rent and Nearby
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Essex, MA is a Studio unit found at Bayside Apartments in the Plum Island neighborhood priced from $1,800. 1 Harbor in the South Salem neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Essex apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Bayside Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,800 |
1 Harbor | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,800 |
Maple Square Apartments | Studio, 1 Bathroom | Studio,1BA | $2,025 |
Princeton Crossing | One BR Deluxe | 1BR,1BA | $2,190 |
Folly Hill Meadows | 1Bd 1Bt (820 sq ft) | 1BR,1BA | $2,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Essex, MA and Nearby
As of May 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the Essex area is the $2.45 price per square foot B1 Model at Eagle Rock Apartments at Swampscott in the in the South Salem neighborhood starting from $3,185. The second greatest value Essex apartment is the A3 Model at Vavel Apartments starting at $3,600 with a $2.77 price per square foot in the South Salem neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Essex apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Eagle Rock Apartments at Swampscott | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $2.45 |
Vavel Apartments | A3 | 2BR,2BA | $2.77 |
Grove Street Landing | 2E | 2BR,2BA | $3.15 |
14 North | Aviary Gardens Loft (A1AL) | 1BR,1BA | $2.98 |
Folly Hill Meadows | Renovated 1br | 1BR,1BA | $2.87 |
Essex Apartment Homes | Prospect | 1BR,1BA | $2.95 |
River Properties | 205 River Rock Residences | 1BR,1BA | $3.18 |
Hannah Village | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.92 |
The Beverly Collection: Link 480 | Link A1C | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.22 |
1 Harbor | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.00 |
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Getting Around Essex, MA
Walk Score®
33 / 100
Car-Dependent
Most errands require a car
Bike Score®
32 / 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Minimal bike infrastructure
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Essex Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Essex?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Essex is at Bayside Apartments listed at $1,800.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Essex Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Essex Apartment is $1,800 at 1 Harbor.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Essex Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Essex is starting from $2,400 at Hannah Village.
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.

The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Boston, MA
Written by: Amelia Ramstead
Boston is known for its exciting combination of early American history and modern high-tech universities and employers.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.