
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Center City Neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI from $400 (95 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Center City area of Grand Rapids.


28 Jefferson Ave

Grand Central Lofts

652 Chatham St NW

814 Broadway Ave NW

822 Fulton St W

827 Fulton St W

317 Prospect Ave NE

840 Broadway Ave NW

Total Monthly Price
161 Union Ave NE, Unit Apt # 2
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.

161 Union Ave NE

Bridge Street Lofts

Highland Place Apartments

Midtown CityZen

234 Market Apartments

306 Gold Ave NW

The Hendrik

Total Monthly Price
25 Seward Ave NW, Unit Unit 2

549 Logan St SE

The Globe Apartments
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.

Lofts at the Kendall

Heritage Place Apartments

The Highlands Apartments

329 Lyon St NE

Trowbridge Flats

Studio Park Towers and Lofts

Venue Tower Apartments

236 Prospect Ave NE

600 Monroe Ave NW

Barley Flats
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.

Lofts on Alabama

The Morton

Waters House Apartments

Verdant

Seven45 Stocking

The Gallery

Gateway at Belknap

Bradford Station

38 Commerce

357 Madison Ave. SE #F2
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.

216 Lafayette Ave NE

Clipper Lofts

833 Mc Reynolds Ave NW

Belknap Place

Box Board Lofts

City View Flats

Total Monthly Price
44 Portsmouth Pl NE, Unit 2 Bedroom 1 Bath

800 Clancy Ave NE

Lofts on Ionia

Total Monthly Price
The Waters Center
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Center City?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center City Studio Apartments | $1,388 | $950 | $2,500 |
| Center City 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,678 | $895 | $3,709 |
| Center City 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,009 | $914 | $3,600 |
| Center City 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,780 | $740 | $2,996 |
| Center City 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,240 | $613 | $3,204 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 95 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Center City Neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI.
See all Apartments in Grand RapidsExplore Grand Rapids
Center City, Grand Rapids, MI Local Guide
- Nearby Grand Rapids neighborhoods
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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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Central Lofts | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,150 |
| Bridge Street Lofts | Studio - 414 sf | Studio,1BA | $1,159 |
| Highland Place Apartments | ONE BEDROOM | 1BR,1BA | $1,170 |
| 549 Logan St SE | One Bed | 1BR,1BA | $1,200 |
| The Globe Apartments | 2x1a | 2BR,1BA | $1,250 |
| Heritage Place Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,269 |
| Venue Tower Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,288 |
| Wealthy & Sheldon | Wealthy Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,300 |
| The Morton | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,321 |
| Seven45 Stocking | One Bedroom | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hopson Flats | Rouge | 4BR,2BA | $0.48 |
| 44 Portsmouth Pl NE, Unit 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 44 Portsmouth Pl NE | 2BR,1BA | $1.21 |
| 240 Union Ave SE, Unit 2nd Floor | 240 Union Ave SE | 3BR,1BA | $1.90 |
| Seven45 Stocking | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.30 |
| 618 Veto St NW | 618 Veto St NW | 4BR,1BA | $1.78 |
| Trowbridge Flats | 2 bedroom 2 bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $1.83 |
| City View Flats | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.73 |
| The Lofts Apartments | 2 Bedroom-1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| The Lofts @ 5 Lyon - Price Per Bedroom | 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom - Price Per Bed | 2BR,1BA | $1.63 |
| Off Broadway Apartments - Price Per Bedroom | 3 Bed 2 Bath - Price Per Bed | 3BR,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.
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 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.
Best Local Schools in Center City, Grand Rapids, MI
Martin Luther King Leadership Academy
School data provided by Great Schools
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

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.

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.

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.