
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the First Settlement Neighborhood of Madison, WI from $400 (182 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the First Settlement area of Madison.


Total Monthly Price
420 W Wilson St, Unit l-2, Unit l-2

The Shield

522 W Wilson St

632 Howard Place

Metropolitan Apartments

22 N Franklin St

519 State St

509 N Lake St

454 W Dayton St
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.

114 W Gilman St, Unit 11

114 W Gilman St, Unit 14

218 S Bassett St

Cardinal Apartments

Gargano Properties

228 Langdon St

The Bayshore

Total Monthly Price
112 S Bassett St, Unit #2 SUBLET NO DEPOSIT, Unit #2 SUBLET NO DEPOSIT

Courtyard Apartments

Theory Madison
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.

City Row

Langdon Hall Apartments

518 W Main St

Diplomat Apartments

Williamson Place

The Breese

402 W Wilson Street

Total Monthly Price
137 E Gorham St
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.

Total Monthly Price
419 State St, Unit 2, Unit 2

Total Monthly Price
121 N Hancock St

Mendota on Mansion Hill

Campus Square Apartments

Total Monthly Price
129 E Gorham St

22 N Hancock St

Total Monthly Price
The Constellation

Butler Plaza

Washington Plaza

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.

219 E Mifflin St

Waterfront Apartments

Total Monthly Price
613 State St, Unit 1, Unit 1

414 State St

Total Monthly Price
409 W Doty St, Unit 1, Unit 1

Total Monthly Price
452 W Doty St, Unit 1, Unit 1

202-204 N Pinckney St

Roundhouse Apartments

Capitol Centre Court Apartments

514 E Johnson St, Unit 2, Unit 2
Madison's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about Madison and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Mike Heuer
First Settlement, Madison, WI Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in First Settlement?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Settlement Studio Apartments | $1,672 | $725 | $2,601 |
| First Settlement 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,141 | $803 | $5,250 |
| First Settlement 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,747 | $1,159 | $5,405 |
| First Settlement 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,047 | $675 | $10,000+ |
| First Settlement 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,372 | $650 | $6,700 |
| First Settlement 5 Bedroom Apartments | $2,501 | $1,340 | $8,150 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 182 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the First Settlement Neighborhood of Madison, WI.
See all Apartments in MadisonExplore Madison
First Settlement, Madison, WI Local Guide
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Cheapest Available First Settlement Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the First Settlement area of Madison, WI is a Studio unit found at 632 Howard Place priced from $895. 22 N Franklin St has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $915. Here are the most affordable First Settlement apartments for rent in Madison, WI:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 632 Howard Place | 632 Howard Place - 303 | Studio,1BA | $895 |
| 22 N Franklin St | Studio A | Studio,1BA | $915 |
| 228 Langdon St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $990 |
| The Bayshore | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,025 |
| Varsity Campus Apartments | 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath | 4BR,2BA | $1,065 |
| City Row | A1 (50LMI Income Restricted) | Studio,1BA | $1,070 |
| Langdon Hall Apartments | Studios | Studio,1BA | $1,085 |
| Jenifer Place | Studio (8/1/26) | Studio,1BA | $1,110 |
| Williamson Place | Studio (8/1/26) | Studio,1BA | $1,120 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in First Settlement, WI
As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the First Settlement area is the $1.09 price per square foot 855 E Gorham St Model at 855 E Gorham St, Unit 855 in the in the The Isthmus neighborhood starting from $2,625. The second greatest value First Settlement apartment is the Bedroom (Shared) Model at Pres House Apartments starting at $1,700 with a $1.37 price per square foot in the Downtown Madison neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for First Settlement apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 855 E Gorham St, Unit 855 | 855 E Gorham St | 4BR,2BA | $1.09 |
| Pres House Apartments | Bedroom (Shared) | 4BR,2BA | $1.37 |
| 127 N Franklin St, Unit 127 | 127 N Franklin St | 3BR,1BA | $1.67 |
| 207 S Broom St, Unit #2 | 207 S Broom St | 3BR,1BA | $1.69 |
| City Place | Two Bedroom Two Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $1.54 |
| 229 Lakelawn *Student Housing* | 4 Bedroom 26-27 School Year / Room | 4BR,3BA | $1.18 |
| Collegiate Campus Apartments | 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Lake Views (7th/8th Floor) | 3BR,2BA | $0.74 |
| 402 W Wilson Street | The Lakeshore | 2BR,2BA | $1.67 |
| Sheelin Apartments | One bed | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| Bedford Crossing | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.69 |
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 ArticleLakeshore to Lecture Hall: Finding Your Perfect Student Apartment in Madison, WI
Discover the best student housing neighborhoods for renting in Madison, Wisconsin! This guide covers apartments near the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Edgewood University, Herzing University, and Madison Area Technical College, detailing locations like Regent, Shorewood Hills, Dudgeon-Monroe, and more for your perfect college home.
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
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
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.
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving.com compares millions of points of data to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of neighborhoods, cities, and rental properties across Wisconsin including First Settlement, Madison, and the greater Madison area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury housing options, places that make kids happy, raising pets, transit options, and more. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap First Settlement Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in First Settlement?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in First Settlement is under $1,120.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in First Settlement?
The cheapest apartment in First Settlement is The Bayshore which is listed at $1,095, while the average apartment in First Settlement costs $5,850.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in First Settlement?
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 273 regular apartments in First Settlement 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 First Settlement?
Cheap apartments in First Settlement have an average cost of $924 which is $4,926 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in First Settlement.
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

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.

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.

