Cheap Apartments for Rent in Rochester, NY from $400 (192 Rentals)

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

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 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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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.

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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.

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Rochester, NY Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Rochester, NY

Pricing Updated: 06/25/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Rochester, NY area range in price from $500 to $6,266 with an overall median price of $2,561. The three Rochester neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Northeast Quadrant at $775, South Marketview Heights at $775, and Brown Square at $800. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Rochester Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Northeast Quadrant$1,440$77522
South Marketview Heights$1,450$7757
Brown Square$1,500$80010
Southwest Quadrant$1,500$1,20011
Upper Falls$1,500$8258
19th Ward$1,550$1,2008
Sector 8$1,700$70617
Charlotte$1,714$8873
Highland$1,985$99020
Northland Lyceum$2,000$775117

Cheapest Available Rochester Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Rochester, NY is a Studio unit found at Normandie Apartments in the East End neighborhood priced from $799. Shelbourne Apartments in the Sector 10 neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $825. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Rochester apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Normandie ApartmentsEfficiency Renovated SmallStudio,1BA$799
Shelbourne ApartmentsStudio, 1 bathStudio,1BA$825
950 Bay StStudioStudio,1BA$825
49 Troup Street0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$850
Sanford Street Associates, LP2 bedroom 1 bathroom2BR,1BA$900

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rochester, NY

As of June 25, 2025 the best value apartment in the Rochester area is the $0.85 price per square foot 7 Roosevelt St Model at 7 Roosevelt St in the in the Ellwanger Barry neighborhood starting from $1,695. The second greatest value Rochester apartment is the 4x4 Model at Lofts at Gold Street starting at $995 with a $0.66 price per square foot in the Southeast Quadrant neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Rochester apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
7 Roosevelt St7 Roosevelt St2BR,1BA$0.85
Lofts at Gold Street4x44BR,4BA$0.66
76 Alexander St, Unit 176 Alexander St3BR,1.5BA$0.97
Warner Lofts1 Bed 1 Bath | Classic1BR,1BA$1.08
432 Frederick Douglass St, Unit North Apartment432 Frederick Douglass St2BR,1BA$1.08
Orchard Place3 Bed / 1.5 Bath Townhome3BR,1.5BA$0.88
Sanford Street Associates, LP2 bedroom 1 bathroom2BR,1BA$0.82
1548 Saint Paul St, Unit #2- Upper1548 Saint Paul St2BR,1BA$1.02
36 Woodward St, Unit 136 Woodward St1BR,1BA$1.10
114 Myrtle St, Unit 3114 Myrtle St1BR,1BA$0.71

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Rochester Overview

Hovering just behind the massive New York City and Buffalo regions to lay claim to the third most populated city in all of New York, Rochester is a growing metropolis offering a winning combination of universities, amenities and an on-the-rise job market. Add to that captivating scenic beauty and a garage rock scene that rivals some of the best in the nation, and it quickly becomes apparent as to why so many New Yorkers choose to call Rochester home.

Why live in Rochester, NY?

Home to a large number of schools and businesses, Rochester has remained a popular draw due to its economic growth and abundance of scenic, waterfront beauty. A diverse mix of young and old residents can be found across Rochester neighborhoods and its popular downtown, which is ripe with world-class restaurants, nightclubs and taverns.

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

Explore Rochester, NY Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Rochester, NY

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Getting Around Rochester, NY

Walk Score®

59 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

55 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

32 / 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.

Rochester, NY Area Reviews

  • Parks
  • Restaurants
  • Location
  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Rochester Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Rochester?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Rochester is under $900.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Rochester?

The cheapest apartment in Rochester is 950 Bay St which is listed at $895, while the average apartment in Rochester costs $2,561.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Rochester?

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 445 regular apartments in Rochester 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 Rochester?

Cheap apartments in Rochester have an average cost of $288 which is $2,273 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Rochester.

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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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.

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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.

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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.