Cheap Gated Apartments for Rent in Madison, WI from $400 (235 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Madison.

Oak Ridge at University Park Senior Apartments

The Oscar Senior Apartments

218 S Bassett St

Lion's Gate at Grandview

Point Place

Gargano Properties

Seven Oaks Apartments
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.

Freedom Park

Cardinal Apartments

Sandburg Studios

New Fountains

Liberty Valley

The Point on Washington

Chapel Hill Apartments

Tuscan Place
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.

Lake Point Terrace

518 W Main St

Park House Apartments

Country Meadows Apartments

Lincoln Ridge

Allen House Apartments

134 E Johnson

Town's Edge Apartments

Capitol View Apartments

Southview Apartments

Williamson Place
Madison's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about Madison and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Mike Heuer

8Twenty Park

Cherry Tree Crossing

Quisling Terrace

The Grove Apartments

University Bay

Elka Lane Apartments

The Ace Apartments

Briarwood Apartments

Nakoma Commons
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.

Rosewood Villas - Senior

Orchard Court

Heather Downs Apartments

Yellowstone Apartments

The Meadowlands

402 W Wilson Street
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.

Parkview Apartments

Normandy Square 55+

Maple Glen Apartment Homes
Madison, WI Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Madison?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Madison Studio Apartments | $1,456 | $845 | $4,210 |
Madison 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,691 | $565 | $4,960 |
Madison 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,111 | $747 | $7,000 |
Madison 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,446 | $730 | $6,405 |
Madison 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,732 | $750 | $4,900 |
Madison 5 Bedroom Apartments | $1,703 | $699 | $7,277 |
Explore Madison

Madison, WI Local Guide
- Madison Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Quick 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.
Getting Around Madison, WI
Walk Score®
59 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
69 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
35 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
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 Madison Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Madison?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Madison is under $850.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Madison?
The cheapest apartment in Madison is The Canyons which is listed at $625, while the average apartment in Madison costs $2,504.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Madison?
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 4,245 regular apartments in Madison 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 Madison?
Cheap apartments in Madison have an average cost of $384 which is $2,120 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Madison.
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.

Experts Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Madison
Written by: Mike Heuer
I’m Mike, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Madison, Wisconsin. I lived and worked in Madison for several years before career opportunities took me elsewhere.

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.