
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Waterfront Neighborhood of Portland, OR from $800 (57 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the South Waterfront area of Portland.


The Amy

Total Monthly Price
Park Plaza

Ongford Apartments

Derby Slabtown

The Vue

Cascade Vista

Total Monthly Price
Grand Belmont

The Woods on Marquam Hill

Total Monthly Price
Griffis South Waterfront
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.

The Matisse

Hassalo on Eighth

Total Monthly Price
Sawbuck

Burnside 26

DOCK 59 APARTMENTS

Slabtown Square

Total Monthly Price
The Dylan

Total Monthly Price
Ella

The Emery

The Marilyn
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.

Collective on 4th

Total Monthly Price
mResidences Portland Pearl District

Total Monthly Price
735 St. Clair

Total Monthly Price
The Douglas

Total Monthly Price
Asa Flats and Lofts

Total Monthly Price
Cyan/PDX

Total Monthly Price
Holloway

Skylar Grand

Total Monthly Price
Osprey

East of Eleven
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.

Gossamer

Union

The Weidler

Kearney Plaza

Total Monthly Price
The Olivia

Total Monthly Price
Millhouse

Total Monthly Price
Alta Art Tower

Park Avenue West

Total Monthly Price
Portland Astoria

Sunshine Portland
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.

Akoya

11 Marché Apartments

Yard

Total Monthly Price
The Frankie

3717 S Corbett Ave

Total Monthly Price
3206 S Kelly Ave

Byline

The Louisa Apartments

Total Monthly Price
5 MLK

Burlington Tower
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.
South Waterfront, Portland, OR Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in South Waterfront?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Waterfront Studio Apartments | $1,500 | $875 | $2,600 |
| South Waterfront 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,060 | $965 | $6,675 |
| South Waterfront 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,151 | $1,485 | $8,930 |
| South Waterfront 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,976 | $1,950 | $4,035 |
| South Waterfront 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,334 | $3,334 | $3,334 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 57 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the South Waterfront Neighborhood of Portland, OR.
See all Apartments in PortlandExplore Portland
South Waterfront, Portland, OR Local Guide
- Nearby Portland neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available South Waterfront Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the South Waterfront area of Portland, OR is a Studio unit found at Regency Apartments priced from $875. The Amy has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $895. Here are the most affordable South Waterfront apartments for rent in Portland, OR:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regency Apartments | Studio A | Studio,1BA | $875 |
| The Amy | Burnside | Studio,1BA | $895 |
| Ongford Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $975 |
| Derby Slabtown | Studio-S MULTE | Studio,1BA | $999 |
| The Vue | The Pearl | Studio,1BA | $1,039 |
| Park Plaza | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,135 |
| Cascade Vista | Studio A | Studio,1BA | $1,170 |
| Modern New Construction - Minutes from Downtown PDX & OHSU | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,200 |
| Grand Belmont | Studio 2 | Studio,1BA | $1,224 |
| The Woods on Marquam Hill | Studio A | Studio,1BA | $1,225 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Waterfront, OR
As of February 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the South Waterfront area is the $2.30 price per square foot B07 Model at Slate Apartments in the in the Southeast Portland neighborhood starting from $2,350. The second greatest value South Waterfront apartment is the 2x2 Jefferson TH B w/2 Car Garage Model at The Douglas starting at $2,263 with a $2.49 price per square foot in the Southwest Portland neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for South Waterfront apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slate Apartments | B07 | 2BR,2BA | $2.30 |
| The Douglas | 2x2 Jefferson TH B w/2 Car Garage | 2BR,2BA | $2.49 |
| Hoodview Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.87 |
| The Matisse | 11F1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.11 |
| 3206 S Kelly Ave | 3206 S Kelly Ave | 1BR,1BA | $2.36 |
| Modern New Construction - Minutes from Downtown PDX & OHSU | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.83 |
| 735 St. Clair | A4 | 1BR,1BA | $2.18 |
| East of Eleven | Buckman | 1BR,1BA | $2.51 |
| Ella | S1.1 | Studio ,1BA | $2.45 |
| Ongford Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $1.99 |
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 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 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 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleSouth Waterfront, Portland, OR
Ranked #22
Among cities in Oregon for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap South Waterfront Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in South Waterfront?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in South Waterfront is under $1,225.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in South Waterfront?
The cheapest apartment in South Waterfront is The Vue which is listed at $1,200, while the average apartment in South Waterfront costs $3,334.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in South Waterfront?
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 52 regular apartments in South Waterfront 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 South Waterfront?
Cheap apartments in South Waterfront have an average cost of $575 which is $2,759 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in South Waterfront.
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.