
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Evanston Neighborhood of Evanston, IL from $800 (89 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Evanston area of Evanston.


1400 Chicago Ave, Unit 107

1940 Sherman Ave.

Main Station Apartments

1575 Oak

1410 Chicago

1703-13 Ridge Ave.

1627-45 Ridge Ave.

BJB Evanston - 1576 Oak
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.

1500 Chicago Ave

829 Foster St.

2210-22 Maple Ave.

2212-26 Sherman Ave.

2200-10 Sherman Ave.

Evanston Neighborhood Properties

905 Elmwood Ave, Unit 07-D3

905 Elmwood Ave

905 Elmwood Ave, Unit 09-O2

905 Elmwood Ave
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.

1025 Dempster St

1452 Oak Ave

1452 Oak Ave, Unit 54-G

1125 Davis St./ 1603-11 Ridge Ave.

1400 Chicago Ave, Unit 104

1400 Chicago Ave, Unit 804

1400 Chicago Ave, Unit 208

1400 Chicago Ave, Unit 408

905 Elmwood Ave

905 Elmwood Ave, Unit 09-H3
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.

905 Elmwood Ave

2228-38 Sherman Ave. / 803-809 Noyes St.

1313 Oak Ave

1400 Chicago Ave, Unit 208

1025 Dempster St, Unit 1309-S2

1312 Oak Ave, Unit S3

1313 Oak Ave, Unit 1313-GDN

Total Monthly Price
1016 Dempster St, Unit J06P, Unit J06P

Total Monthly Price
2017 Ridge Ave

Total Monthly Price
1241 Chicago Ave
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.

Total Monthly Price
1104 Dempster St, Unit Garden, Unit Garden

Tapestry Station

Total Monthly Price
1033 Dempster St, Unit A06C, Unit A06C

905 Elmwood Ave, Unit 11-Garden

905 Elmwood Ave

1452 Oak Ave, Unit 54-3E

1452 Oak Ave

1454 Oak Ave, Unit 3E

1615-25 Ridge Ave.

Maple Grove 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.
Downtown Evanston, Evanston, IL Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Evanston?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Evanston Studio Apartments | $2,097 | $1,345 | $2,966 |
| Downtown Evanston 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,567 | $1,450 | $3,697 |
| Downtown Evanston 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,179 | $1,450 | $5,291 |
| Downtown Evanston 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,740 | $2,100 | $6,025 |
| Downtown Evanston 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,468 | $2,295 | $4,700 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 89 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Downtown Evanston Neighborhood of Evanston, IL.
See all Apartments in EvanstonExplore Evanston
Downtown Evanston, Evanston, IL Local Guide
- Nearby Evanston neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Available Downtown Evanston Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Evanston area of Chicago, IL is a Studio unit found at Main Station Apartments priced from $1,366. 1575 Oak has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,395. Here are the most affordable Downtown Evanston apartments for rent in Chicago, IL:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Station Apartments | Studio Floor Plan S1 | Studio,1BA | $1,366 |
| 1575 Oak | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
| 1410 Chicago | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,425 |
| 1703-13 Ridge Ave. | 2 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1,450 |
| BJB Evanston - 1576 Oak | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,495 |
| 1500 Chicago Ave | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
| Evanston Neighborhood Properties | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,595 |
| 1627-45 Ridge Ave. | 2 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1,795 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Evanston, IL
As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Evanston area is the $2.05 price per square foot 3 Bedroom - 2 Bathroom Model at 1615-25 Ridge Ave. in the in the Northwestern neighborhood starting from $3,150. The second greatest value Downtown Evanston apartment is the 1124 Maple Ave Model at 1124 Maple Ave, Unit 2 starting at $2,995 with a $2.00 price per square foot in the Southeast Evanston neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Evanston apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1615-25 Ridge Ave. | 3 Bedroom - 2 Bathroom | 3BR,2BA | $2.05 |
| 1124 Maple Ave, Unit 2 | 1124 Maple Ave | 3BR,1BA | $2.00 |
| 1703-13 Ridge Ave. | 4 Bedroom - 1.5 Bathroom | 4BR,1.5BA | $1.77 |
| 1125 Davis St./ 1603-11 Ridge Ave. | 3 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom | 3BR,1BA | $2.26 |
| 312 Lee St | 312 Lee St | 2BR,1BA | $2.03 |
| 2200-10 Sherman Ave. | 2 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.17 |
| 1745 Brown Ave, Unit 1745 brown Unit 1 | 1745 Brown Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.22 |
| 1033 Dempster St, Unit A06C | 1033 Dempster St | 2BR,1BA | $2.11 |
| 1627-45 Ridge Ave. | 2 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.08 |
| 1726 Sherman Ave, Unit 1 | 1726 Sherman Ave | 1BR,1BA | $2.14 |
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
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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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Evanston, Evanston, IL
Ranked #5
Among cities in Illinois for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Downtown Evanston, Evanston, IL
Evanston Twp High School
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Evanston Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Evanston?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Evanston is under $1,795.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Evanston?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Evanston is Main Station Apartments which is listed at $1,578, while the average apartment in Downtown Evanston costs $12,100.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Evanston?
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 1 regular apartments in Downtown Evanston 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 Evanston?
Cheap apartments in Downtown Evanston have an average cost of $309 which is $11,791 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Evanston.
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

A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Chicago
Written by: Nicole Harms
I’m Nicole, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Chicago, IL. As a resident of the Chicago area for over 20 years, I’ve learned which neighborhoods are great and which are best avoided.

Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Chicago
Written by: Nicole Harms
With world-class museums lining its streets, Chicago is a place people go to learn. It’s not surprising, therefore, that it’s also home to multiple colleges and universities with national and global reputations.

Best Neighborhoods to Rent in Near Chicago's Top Employers
Written by: Nicole Harms
Whenever life takes me into the city, I’m always impressed with the sheer amount of industry and commerce that it holds. With all of that commerce comes a wide range of employment options.

Explore the Windy City (But Watch for Falling Ice) - An Insider's Guide to Renting in Chicago
Written by: Nicole Harms
From Lake Shore Drive to the O’Hare Airport, the city of Chicago is a study in diversity, resilience, and culture.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.
