
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Neighborhood of Portland, OR from $400 (157 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown area of Portland.


Waterleaf

Helen Swindells Apartments

Modern Rich Apartments

2043 NW Johnson St

Hamilton West

Doricourt Apartments -- Historic SW Downtown

Fountain Place Apartments

Westshore

Morrison Park Apartments
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.

Gretchen Kafoury Commons

Celio Apartments

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Washington Plaza Apartments

Beverly Alder Apartments

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Koz on 4th

Emmons Place

Stadium Station

Regency Apartments

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The Fredrick

Fifth Avenue Place 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.

Park Avenue Apartments

Clay & Tiffany

Portland Towers Apartments

The Zeno

Westfal Apartments

Goose Hollow Lofts

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Park Plaza

Pine Cone Apartments

Ongford Apartments

1519 SW Columbia St
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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Collins Circle

The Vue

Twenty 65 Apartments

Tiller Terrace

JEANNE MANOR APARTMENTS (JEAN01)

Vista St. Clair

1527 SW Columbia St

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Manhattan Apartments

Pacific Tower Apartments

Medina
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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The Cameron

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Collective on 4th

DOCK 59 APARTMENTS

11 Marché Apartments

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North Hollow

2190 W Burnside St

The Strauss on Burnside

Tanner Flats Apartments

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The Douglas
From Arts to Eats: A Local Insider's Guide to Living in Portland's Best Spots
Discover the true heart of Portland, Oregon, with this local expert's guide. Explore the city's unique history, from the coin toss that named it to its "Keep Portland Weird" culture, and get an insider look at its most notable neighborhoods and internationally recognized food scene.
Downtown, Portland, OR Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Studio Apartments | $1,259 | $470 | $7,584 |
| Downtown 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,758 | $998 | $6,650 |
| Downtown 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,753 | $1,226 | $8,930 |
| Downtown 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,972 | $1,458 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown 4 Bedroom Apartments | $11,466 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 157 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Neighborhood of Portland, OR.
See all Apartments in PortlandExplore Portland
Downtown, Portland, OR Local Guide
- Nearby Portland neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Downtown Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown area of Portland, OR is a Studio unit found at Waterleaf priced from $480. Helen Swindells Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $500. Here are the most affordable Downtown apartments for rent in Portland, OR:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterleaf | Studio | Studio,1BA | $480 |
| Helen Swindells Apartments | 0x1 | Studio,1BA | $500 |
| Modern Rich Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $649 |
| Hamilton West | Hamilton West: Your Urban Oasis in Portland | Studio,1BA | $789 |
| Doricourt Apartments -- Historic SW Downtown | Studio (215sq ft '04’s, '05s, '09s, '10s, '11s,... | Studio,1BA | $825 |
| Fountain Place Apartments | Studio - 60% | Studio,1BA | $860 |
| Westshore | studio | Studio,1BA | $869 |
| Morrison Park Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $875 |
| Gretchen Kafoury Commons | Studio 60% | Studio,1BA | $900 |
| Washington Plaza Apartments | s5fl 275 | Studio,1BA | $915 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown, OR
As of June 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown area is the $2.02 price per square foot St. John 1x2 B Model at Honeyman Hardware Lofts in the in the Pearl District neighborhood starting from $3,622. The second greatest value Downtown apartment is the Two Bedroom Model at Gallery Park Apartments starting at $1,750 with a $1.46 price per square foot in the Northwest Portland neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honeyman Hardware Lofts | St. John 1x2 B | 1BR,2BA | $2.02 |
| Gallery Park Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $1.46 |
| Goose Hollow Townhomes | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.06 |
| Portland Terrace | 2 bedroom 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $1.72 |
| Everett Station Lofts | 105 | 1BR,1BA | $2.06 |
| Waterleaf | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.83 |
| Manhattan Apartments | Lower Manhattan -Large | 1BR,1BA | $1.93 |
| Worthington | 1BR (622sq ft '09s) | 1BR,1BA | $1.97 |
| Westfal Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.71 |
| Rena Villa | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.91 |
The Portland Power Commute: Top Neighborhoods for Renters Near the City’s Major Job Hubs
Balance work and life in Portland. Explore the neighborhoods for renting that offer great amenities and quick commutes to the city's top major employers. Find your Portland apartment today!
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 ArticleA Local Experts Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Portland
A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Portland area. Find your perfect Student apartment, condo, or rental home today
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.
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Downtown, Portland, and the greater Portland area. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury amenities, places to raise kids, raising pets, transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown is under $915.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown is Westfal Apartments which is listed at $1,025, while the average apartment in Downtown costs $11,466.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown?
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 128 regular apartments in Downtown 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?
Cheap apartments in Downtown have an average cost of $460 which is $11,006 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown.
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

A Portland Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Chad Deitchley
As your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Portland, Oregon, I’d like to briefly introduce myself. My name is Chad, and I come to the ApartmentHomeLiving.com team after living in Portland for decades.

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Portland
Written by: Chad Deitchley
Hello! My name is Chad, and I joined the ApartmentHomeLiving.com team as a Local Expert after living in Portland, Oregon, for more than 20 years. I have a deep love for this charming and vibrant city.

The Portland Power Commute: Top Neighborhoods for Renters Near the City’s Major Job Hubs
Written by: Chad Deitchley
Let me introduce myself as your ApartmentHomeLiving Local Expert for Portland, Oregon. I’m Chad, and I can attest firsthand to the vibrant and funky nature of this one-of-a-kind city.

From Arts to Eats: A Local Insiders Guide to Living in Portland's Best Spots
Written by: Chad Deitchley
Hello! My name is Chad, and I am your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Portland, Oregon. After living in this one-of-a-kind city for more than 20 years, I have seen it change in many exciting ways.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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.
