Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Rochester Neighborhood of Rochester, NY from $400 (107 Rentals)

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

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.

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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.

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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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property at 693 Park Ave

$995 - $1,395

Studio To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jun 10

693 Park Ave

RochesterNY14607

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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property at 48 Harlem St

$1,095 - $1,250

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

48 Harlem St

RochesterNY14607
property at 583 Averill Ave

$1,095 - $1,250

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

583 Averill Ave

RochesterNY14607

Rochester College Rentals: Finding the Best Value Neighborhoods for Students

Find your new digs in Rochester! We highlight the best value neighborhoods with safe, walkable, and affordable rental options close to all of the city’s postsecondary institutions.

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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 3

Downtown Rochester, Rochester, NY Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Rochester Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Rochester area of Rochester, NY is a Studio unit found at Normandie Apartments priced from $849. Shelbourne Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $875. Here are the most affordable Downtown Rochester apartments for rent in Rochester, NY:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Normandie Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$849
Shelbourne ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$875
Franklin Street ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$900
South Wedge CommonsST CLASSICStudio,1BA$925
The Lofts at SearleStudioStudio,1BA$995
171-179 Berkeley St1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$995
The Columbus BuildingStudio 7th FloorStudio,1BA$999
Rochester HighlandsStudioStudio,1BA$1,025

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Rochester, NY

As of May 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown 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 Downtown Rochester apartment is the Private Bedroom in a shared 4 bed 4 bath 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 Downtown 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 StreetPrivate Bedroom in a shared 4 bed 4 bath4BR,4BA$0.66
North Plymouth Terrace2A1BR,1BA$0.93
153 S Union St, Unit B153 S Union St3BR,1BA$1.20
Warner Lofts1 Bed 1 Bath | Classic DLX1BR,1.5BA$1.21
Kirstein LoftsTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$1.15
Water Street CommonsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$1.18
141 Congress Ave, Unit 139141 Congress Ave2BR,1BA$1.19
90 Alexander St, Unit 190 Alexander St1BR,1BA$1.06
23 Oxford St, Unit 23 Oxford St. Apt 323 Oxford St2BR,1BA$1.11

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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Real 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.

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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Rochester, Rochester, NY

Ranked #14

Among cities in New York for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Downtown Rochester, Rochester, NY

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you comprehensive Lifestyle Ratings of neighborhoods, cities, and rental properties across New York including Downtown Rochester, Rochester, and the greater Rochester area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for proximity to parks, luxury amenities, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, family-friendly amenities, and much more. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Rochester Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Rochester?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Rochester is under $1,025.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Rochester?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Rochester is Franklin Street Apartments which is listed at $900, while the average apartment in Downtown Rochester costs $2,050.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 62 regular apartments in Downtown 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 Downtown Rochester?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Rochester have an average cost of $297 which is $1,753 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Rochester.

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

decorative image for Beyond the Finger Lakes: Unveiling Rochester's 7 Best-Value Neighborhoods to Rent article

Beyond the Finger Lakes: Unveiling Rochester's 7 Best-Value Neighborhoods to Rent

Written by: Patrick Ryan

There has never been a better time to live in Rochester.  Also known as the Young Lion of the West and Flower City, Rochester is an underrated living space within the gorgeous Finger Lakes region.

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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.

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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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.