Cheap Apartments for Rent in Normal, IL from $400 (134 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Normal.

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.

property at 1506 Northbrook Dr

$1,025

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,025

Total Monthly Price
$1,025

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1506 Northbrook Dr

NormalIL61761

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.

property at 1600 Northbrook Dr

$1,110

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,110

Total Monthly Price
$1,110

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1600 Northbrook Dr

NormalIL61761
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118 W Willow St
2 Bedroom Apartments

118 W Willow St

118 W Willow StNormal, IL 61761
Student Housing
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308 Taylor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

308 Taylor

308 E Taylor StNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included
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Crestwood
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Crestwood

404 E Vernon AveNormal, IL 61761

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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1203-1217 Wall St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1203-1217 Wall St

1203-1217 Wall StNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included
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1723 W. Hovey
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1723 W. Hovey

1723 Hovey AveNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included
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Brookside
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brookside

1002-1006 Jersey AveNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included
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110 Orr
2 Bedroom Apartments

110 Orr

110 N Orr DrNormal, IL 61761
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206 Locust
3 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

206 Locust

206 W Locust StNormal, IL 61761
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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2 Larry Ct
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2 Larry Ct

2 Larry CtNormal, IL 61761
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Vernon Ridge
1 Bedroom Apartments

Vernon Ridge

326-336 E Vernon AveNormal, IL 61761
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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212 College Park Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

212 College Park Dr

212 College Park DrNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included

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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210 Lindell
1 Bedroom Apartments

210 Lindell

210 LindellNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included
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1816-1824 Parkway Court
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1816-1824 Parkway Court

1816-1824 Parkway CtNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included
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3 Larry Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

3 Larry Ct

3 Larry CtNormal, IL 61761
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1516 Woods Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1516 Woods Ave

1516 Woods AveNormal, IL 61761
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1506 Northbrook
2 Bedroom Apartments

1506 Northbrook

1506 Northbrook DrNormal, IL 61761
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2 Curtis Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

2 Curtis Ct

2 Curtis CtNormal, IL 61761
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Parkview Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Parkview Apartments

101 Northfield DrNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included
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1608 Bryan St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1608 Bryan St

1608 Bryan StNormal, IL 61761
  • Utilities Included

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.

Normal, IL Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Normal, IL

Pricing Updated: 04/23/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Normal, IL area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Normal Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Downtown Normal$1,675$82027
Uptown Normal$3,087$82018

Cheapest Available Normal Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Normal, IL is a Studio unit found at Washington Senior Apartments in the Downtown Bloomington neighborhood priced from $546. The Oaks in the Downtown Bloomington neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Normal apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Washington Senior ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$546
The Oaks1 bed / bath1BR,1BA$800
Class Act Realty1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$820
Traditions BloomingtonTwo Bedroom - Market2BR,2BA$831
CollegePlace Uptown2BR/1BA2BR,1BA$840

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Normal, IL

As of April 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the Normal area is the $0.51 price per square foot Per Student for 2 Model at 1006 Samantha St in the in the Downtown Normal neighborhood starting from $710. The second greatest value Normal apartment is the 4 person rate Model at 605 Kingsley St starting at $630 with a $0.47 price per square foot in the Downtown Normal neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Normal apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1006 Samantha StPer Student for 22BR,1.5BA$0.51
605 Kingsley St4 person rate4BR,3BA$0.47
200 S LindenRent per Person for 22BR,1BA$0.58
21 Flora WayPer Person for 22BR,1.5BA$0.53
East Douglas Apartments2BR/ 1BA2BR,1BA$0.75
701 FranklinApt 24BR,2BA$0.55
700 N Adelaide StRent Per Student for 22BR,1.5BA$0.73
704 W Mulberry St704 W Mulberry St1BR,1BA$0.85
113 W Willow St2 person Rate2BR,1BA$0.73
1505 HancockPer person for 22BR,1BA$0.79

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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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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Normal Overview

Located in McLean County, Normal is a relatively medium-sized town, with the last census coming in at 52,497. Chris Koos is the town mayor. Normal is the seventh largest community in Illinois, excluding Chicago. It's an attractive place to live whether you’re looking to buy a house or rent an apartment in Normal, IL.  

Why live in Normal, IL?

Normal, IL’s economic outlook centers around Illinois State University and the town’s farming. The area produces maize (corn) and soybeans, but it also manufactures tires and cars. The cost of living is also 10% lower than the national average. Apartments in Normal, IL are varied and accessible, with a number of popular options to choose from.  

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Normal Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Normal?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Normal is under $840.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Normal?

The cheapest apartment in Normal is Washington Senior Apartments which is listed at $578, while the average apartment in Normal costs $2,381.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Normal?

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 24 regular apartments in Normal 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 Normal?

Cheap apartments in Normal have an average cost of $899 which is $1,482 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Normal.

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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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.

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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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.