Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown East Neighborhood of Kansas City, MO from $400 (178 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown East area of Kansas City.

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Courthouse Lofts
$828 - $1,192
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$771 - $1,135
Required Monthly Fees
$57
Total Monthly Price
$828 - $1,192
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Courthouse Lofts

811 Grand BlvdKansas City, MO 64106
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
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  • Utilities Included

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.

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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.

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Arte KC
Rent Specials
$984 - $4,165
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$838 - $4,019
Required Monthly Fees
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Total Monthly Price
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Arte KC

1918 Locust StKansas City, MO 64108
Luxury
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Union Berkley
Rent Specials
$1,034 - $3,320
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$984 - $3,270
Required Monthly Fees
$50
Total Monthly Price
$1,034 - $3,320
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Union Berkley

E River Front RdKansas City, MO 64120
Corporate Housing
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  • 3D Tour

Kansas City BBQ & Beyond: Your Local Guide to the Best About Renting in KC

Explore KC like a native! Your local guide shares the best Kansas City BBQ (from Gates to Joe's), hidden art districts, sports culture, and must-see fountains.

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1989 Main
Rent Specials
$1,050 - $3,890
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,015 - $3,855
Required Monthly Fees
$35
Total Monthly Price
$1,050 - $3,890
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

1989 Main

1989 Main StKansas City, MO 64108
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Flashcube Apartments
$1,120 - $4,549
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,083 - $4,512
Required Monthly Fees
$37
Total Monthly Price
$1,120 - $4,549
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Flashcube Apartments

720 Main StKansas City, MO 64105
Corporate Housing
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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.

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property at 3601 E 27th St

$1,195

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,183
Required Monthly Fees
$12
Total Monthly Price
$1,195

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

3601 E 27th St

Kansas CityMO64127
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The Wade
Rent Specials
$1,217 - $6,894
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,102 - $6,779
Required Monthly Fees
Varies
Total Monthly Price
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Wade

201 Grand BlvdKansas City, MO 64106
Active Lifestyle
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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.

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Downtown East, Kansas City, MO Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown East Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown East area of Kansas City, MO is a Studio unit found at White Apartments priced from $569. Smart Lofts on Gladstone has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $695. Here are the most affordable Downtown East apartments for rent in Kansas City, MO:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
White ApartmentsStudio 1 BathroomStudio,1BA$569
Smart Lofts on GladstoneStudio TopStudio,1BA$695
Admiral Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$825
Ridgeview Heights - Newly Renovated Apts!Two Bed One Bath2BR,1BA$826
Courthouse Lofts1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$828
2600-2614 Amie Ct1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$850
Gillham Housegill1bA1BR,1BA$899
Walnut Tower ApartmentsDogwoodStudio,1BA$899
Grand Boulevard LoftsOne Bedroom I One Bathroom1BR,1BA$900
Pickwick Plaza1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$924

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown East, MO

As of April 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown East area is the $0.88 price per square foot Brooklyn Model at Western in the in the 18th and Vine neighborhood starting from $1,400. The second greatest value Downtown East apartment is the 504 Bellefontaine Ave Model at 504 Bellefontaine Ave, Unit 2 starting at $1,300 with a $0.87 price per square foot in the Scarritt Point neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown East apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
WesternBrooklyn2BR,1BA$0.88
504 Bellefontaine Ave, Unit 2504 Bellefontaine Ave2BR,2BA$0.87
Green Village Townhomes3 bd w/o basement3BR,1.5BA$0.73
521 Benton Blvd, Unit Benton #2521 Benton Blvd2BR,1BA$1.19
Pickwick Plaza2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.26
Grand Boulevard LoftsTwo Bedroom | Two Bathroom2BR,2BA$1.12
901 E 28th Street1B 1B 1F W/D1BR,1BA$1.14
GRAND TOWERS2B 1B 3F2BR,1BA$1.24
Courthouse Lofts1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.10
Admiral Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.27

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.

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Kansas City's Major Employers and the Best Places to Rent Near Them | A Local Expert Guide

Your KC local expert guide to the city's best places to rent near the top tech, healthcare, & engineering employers in the area. Find the perfect apartment neighborhood near Oracle (Cerner), Garmin, Burns & McDonnell, and St. Luke's.

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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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

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A KC Expert's Top Recommendations for College Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in Kansas City, MO | Find Kansas City Off-Campus Student Housing

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Best Local Schools in
Downtown East, Kansas City, MO

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

Our team compiles millions of data points to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Kansas City. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and more. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown East Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown East?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown East is under $924.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown East?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown East is Smart Lofts on Gladstone which is listed at $795, while the average apartment in Downtown East costs $7,000.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown East?

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 31 regular apartments in Downtown East 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 East?

Cheap apartments in Downtown East have an average cost of $104 which is $6,896 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown East.

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

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A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Kansas City

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

Hello, and welcome! I’m Amber, and I’ll be your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Kansas City.

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A KC Experts Top Recommendations for College Neighborhoods in Kansas City

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

As a Kansas City native and the ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for the area, I can confidently say that this city is not only a great place to live, but also a great place to go to school, too.

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Kansas Citys Major Employers & the Best Places to Rent Near Them | A Local Expert Guide

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

Hey, there! I’m Amber, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Kansas City, and I’m back with my recommendations for top employers in the area.

decorative image for Kansas City BBQ and Beyond: Your Local Guide to the Best About Renting in KC article

Kansas City BBQ and Beyond: Your Local Guide to the Best About Renting in KC

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

Hey there! I’m Amber, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local guide for Kansas City, and I’m back to show you how to have a great time in this town.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.