Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Center City Neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI from $400 (95 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Center City area of Grand Rapids.

property at 652 Chatham St NW

$995 - $1,395

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Aug 14

652 Chatham St NW

Grand RapidsMI49504
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161 Union Ave NE, Unit Apt # 2
$1,150
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,150

Total Monthly Price
$1,150
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Jun 1

161 Union Ave NE, Unit Apt # 2

161 Union Ave NEGrand Rapids, MI 49503
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property at 329 Lyon St NE

$1,274 - $1,424

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

329 Lyon St NE

Grand RapidsMI49503

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The Waters Center
$1,500 - $2,500
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$1,500 - $2,500

Total Monthly Price
$1,500 - $2,500
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability

The Waters Center

161 Ottawa Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503
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Check Out Grand Rapids’s Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Grand Rapids and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Mike Heuer

Center City, Grand Rapids, MI Local Guide

Cheapest Available Center City Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Center City area of Grand Rapids, MI is a 1 Bed unit found at Grand Central Lofts priced from $1,150. Bridge Street Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,159. Here are the most affordable Center City apartments for rent in Grand Rapids, MI:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Grand Central LoftsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,150
Bridge Street LoftsStudio - 414 sfStudio,1BA$1,159
Highland Place ApartmentsONE BEDROOM1BR,1BA$1,170
549 Logan St SEOne Bed1BR,1BA$1,200
The Globe Apartments2x1a2BR,1BA$1,250
Heritage Place ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,269
Venue Tower ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,288
Wealthy & SheldonWealthy StudioStudio,1BA$1,300
The MortonStudioStudio,1BA$1,321
Seven45 StockingOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,325

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Center City, MI

As of May 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Center City area is the $0.48 price per square foot Rouge Model at Hopson Flats in the in the Center City neighborhood starting from $644. The second greatest value Center City apartment is the 44 Portsmouth Pl NE Model at 44 Portsmouth Pl NE, Unit 2 Bedroom 1 Bath starting at $1,450 with a $1.21 price per square foot in the Center City neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Center City apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Hopson FlatsRouge4BR,2BA$0.48
44 Portsmouth Pl NE, Unit 2 Bedroom 1 Bath44 Portsmouth Pl NE2BR,1BA$1.21
240 Union Ave SE, Unit 2nd Floor240 Union Ave SE3BR,1BA$1.90
Seven45 StockingOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.30
618 Veto St NW618 Veto St NW4BR,1BA$1.78
Trowbridge Flats2 bedroom 2 bathroom2BR,2BA$1.83
City View Flats2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.73
The Lofts Apartments2 Bedroom-1 Bath2BR,1BA$1.77
The Lofts @ 5 Lyon - Price Per Bedroom2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom - Price Per Bed2BR,1BA$1.63
Off Broadway Apartments - Price Per Bedroom3 Bed 2 Bath - Price Per Bed3BR,2BA$1.24

Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near Major Colleges and Universities in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Find your perfect student apartment near Aquinas College, Calvin University, Cornerstone University, and Grand Rapids Community College. Discover top neighborhoods for off-campus housing in Grand Rapids, MI.

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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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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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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Grand Rapids. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury amenities, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, family-friendliness, and more. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Center City Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Center City?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Center City is under $1,325.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Center City?

The cheapest apartment in Center City is Grand Central Lofts which is listed at $1,150, while the average apartment in Center City costs $2,022.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Center City?

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 18 regular apartments in Center City 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 Center City?

Cheap apartments in Center City have an average cost of $392 which is $1,630 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Center City.

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

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The Local Experts Guide to the Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI

Written by: Mike Heuer

I grew up near Grand Rapids and have visited the growing city and its surrounding area many times. It is a true jewel of southwestern Michigan and very close to Lake Michigan and many other great locales.

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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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.