
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Salem, MA from $600 (120 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Salem.


10 Howard St, Unit 1

10 Howard St, Unit 2

10 Howard St, Unit 3

Salem Heights

37 Osborne Hill Dr

Total Monthly Price
41 English St, Unit Rear, Unit Rear

Salem Highlands

Total Monthly Price
13 Lemon St, Unit Lemon St, Unit Lemon St

366 Essex St
Top Short-Term Rental Neighborhoods in Boston: Tips from a Local Expert
Get a local expert's guide to Boston's top 5 short-term rental neighborhoods. Essential tips on Fenway, Beacon Hill, Seaport, and Allston/Brighton.

Historic 1 Harbor St

260 Washington Apartments – Modern Living in the Heart of Salem

233 Lafayette St

8 Hersey St

Total Monthly Price
8 Hersey St, Unit 3, Unit 3

257 Washington St, Unit 3

Princeton Crossing

257 Washington St, Unit 16

8 Hancock St, Unit 1L

17 Pickman St, Unit 5
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.

Total Monthly Price
30 Gardner St, Unit 2, Unit 2

Total Monthly Price
Traders Row

233 Lafayette St, Unit 16

55 Buffum St

5 Wall St, Unit 1

5 Pearl St

Fairweather Apartments (Age 62+ Community)

116 Lafayette St

The Residences at St. James

The Lighthouses
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.

327 Jefferson Ave

143 Canal St

122 Boston

Residences at Lafayette LLC- 176 Lafayette

Park Towers

River Rock Residences

45 Broad St

15 Lynde St

University Square North

38 Estes St, Unit 4
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.

BayView Apartments

32 Chestnut St, Unit 8

2 Kingsley Terrace

2 Kingsley Terrace, Unit 9

119 Lewis St

33-35 Essex Ct, Unit Unit 1

126 Lowell St

180 Lewis St

44 Estes St, Unit 5

44 Estes St, Unit 14
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.
Salem, MA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Salem?
| Bedroom | Average Price | Cheapest Price | Highest Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Salem Studio Apartments | $2,130 | $1,100 | $4,326 |
| Cheap Salem 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,464 | $1,450 | $3,715 |
| Cheap Salem 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,031 | $1,600 | $8,066 |
| Cheap Salem 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,554 | $2,500 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Salem 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,937 | $3,600 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in Salem
See all Apartments in SalemExplore Salem
Salem, MA Local Guide

- Salem Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Salem, MA
Pricing Updated: 05/19/2026Current apartment rentals in the Salem, MA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Salem Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Salem | $3,097 | $1,750 | 14 |
| North Shore | $8,329 | $1,100 | 885 |
Cheapest Available Salem Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Salem, MA is a Studio unit found at BayView Apartments in the East Lynn neighborhood priced from $1,650. Salem Highlands in the South Salem neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,700. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Salem apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| BayView Apartments | 66 Basset St Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,650 |
| Salem Highlands | Studio, non-renovated | Studio,1BA | $1,700 |
| Mosaic | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $1,795 |
| Historic 1 Harbor St | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,800 |
| River Drive Apartments | S1G | Studio,1BA | $1,850 |
| 175 Ocean St | The Threes | 1BR,1BA | $2,000 |
| 24 Mount Vernon Apartments | Standard Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,195 |
| Folly Hill Meadows | 1Bd 1Bt (820 sq ft) | 1BR,1BA | $2,195 |
| The Oxford Lynn | 1 Bed - 02 | 1BR,1BA | $2,195 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Salem, MA
As of May 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Salem area is the $0.78 price per square foot 12 Walter St Model at 12 Walter St, Unit #1 in the in the East Lynn neighborhood starting from $3,275. The second greatest value Salem apartment is the 84 Endicott St Model at 84 Endicott St, Unit 1-R starting at $3,200 with a $1.78 price per square foot in the South Peabody neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Salem apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Walter St, Unit #1 | 12 Walter St | 3BR,1BA | $0.78 |
| 84 Endicott St, Unit 1-R | 84 Endicott St | 3BR,1BA | $1.78 |
| 6 March St, Unit 6 March St | 6 March St | 4BR,1BA | $2.40 |
| 23 Gardner St | 23 Gardner St | 2BR,1BA | $1.86 |
| 13 Becket St, Unit 2 | 13 Becket St | 2BR,1BA | $1.91 |
| 48 Balcomb St, Unit 2 | 48 Balcomb St | 3BR,1BA | $2.39 |
| 12 Michigan Ave | 12 Michigan Ave | 3BR,1BA | $1.92 |
| 6 Berry St, Unit 1 | 6 Berry St | 2BR,1BA | $1.88 |
| 58 Essex St, Unit 1 | 58 Essex St | 3BR,1BA | $2.29 |
| 42 Pond St, Unit 3 | 42 Pond St | 2BR,1BA | $2.27 |
Boston Neighborhood Guide: Living Near UMass, MGH, and State Street
Get the local scoop! ApartmentHomeLiving's Boston Expert reveals the best neighborhoods to rent for employees of UMass Boston, Mass General Hospital, State Street, and more.
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 ArticleTop Neighborhoods Near Boston Colleges and Universities
Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in Boston, MA | Find Boston Off-Campus Student Housing at ApartmentHomeLiving.com
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.
Salem Overview
Salem has the feel of a small, compact town. Here, friendly residents celebrate together in the summer and stick together during blustery winters. This town's rich history and placement near Boston makes it a great place for both city commuters and people longing for a quieter life.
Why live in Salem, MA?
Salem has a reputation as a great home for young, energetic people. They come for Salem State University and stay for the creative scene, exciting history, and dynamic local businesses. However, this city also has a lot to offer busy professionals and families. It's close enough to commute to Boston, but decidedly more budget-friendly than the big city. Salem boasts a gorgeous waterfront, numerous museums and galleries, and centuries of history lying around every corner just waiting to be explored. Salem has a magic that turns visitors into residents, and residents into longtime locals.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Salem, MA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Salem, MA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Salem Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Salem?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Salem is under $2,195.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Salem?
The cheapest apartment in Salem is Mosaic which is listed at $1,795, while the average apartment in Salem costs $5,713.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Salem?
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 64 regular apartments in Salem that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
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

The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Boston, MA
Written by: Amelia Ramstead
Boston is known for its exciting combination of early American history and modern high-tech universities and employers.

A Local Experts Guide to the Top Boston Neighborhoods for College Renters
Written by: Amelia Ramstead
Hi! I’m Amelia, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Boston, Massachusetts! We’re excited to help you find your new home, and getting to know the neighborhood is an important part of that process!

Explore Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Boston
Written by: Amelia Ramstead
Hello from Boston, Massachusetts! I’m Amelia, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Boston, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop on this unique city.

Boston Major Employer Neighborhood Guide: Living Near UMass, MGH, & State Street
Written by: Amelia Ramstead
Hi! I’m Amelia, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Boston, Massachusetts. Getting to know your new neighborhood is one of the best parts of moving, and we’re excited to help you get started.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.