
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central Area Salem, OR from $500 (45 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Central Area area of Salem.


Madison Court Apartments

1434 Ferry St SE, Unit 7

1481 Tripp / Lee Apartments

Willamette Terrace Apartments

Liberty Street Apartments

2217-2221 Lee St SE

233 Kearney St S

841 Liberty St NE
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

1351 McCoy Ave NE

390 17th St SE

642 Taybin Rd NW

The Lee Apartments

Parkview Apartments

6 Nineteen Apartments

572 Ford St SE

644 Taybin Rd NW

239 Myers St S
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

1031-1033 Saginaw St S

621 Glen Creek Rd NW

Total Monthly Price
Rivenwood

1035 1/2 16th St NE

440 State St

1435 Summer St NE

Total Monthly Price
South Block Apartments

263-267 20th St SE

1817-1817 Ferry St SE
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

390 22nd St SE

14th St. Courtyard

Brookwood Terrace Apartments

Courtney Place

804 14th St NE

Chancellor Apartments

1251-1277 Chemeketa St NE

Koz on State

Frances 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.

Fountain Court

1355-1367 Liberty St NE

Winter St Cottages

1466 4th St NE

Glen Creek Park Apartments

365 16th St SE

Cartwright Apartments

1204 Commercial St NE

WALLACE PARK APARTMENTS (03)
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.
Central Area, Salem, OR Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Central Area?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Area Studio Apartments | $1,365 | $500 | $1,659 |
| Central Area 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,414 | $975 | $2,206 |
| Central Area 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,893 | $999 | $3,750 |
| Central Area 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,968 | $1,800 | $4,040 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 45 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Central Area Neighborhood of Salem, OR.
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Central Area, Salem, OR Local Guide
- Nearby Salem neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Central Area Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Central Area area of Salem, OR is a Studio unit found at The Metropolitan Building priced from $500. Madison Court Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $950. Here are the most affordable Central Area apartments for rent in Salem, OR:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Metropolitan Building | 0 Bedroom 1 Bath - 76101 | Studio,1BA | $500 |
| Madison Court Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $950 |
| 1481 Tripp / Lee Apartments | One Bed | 1BR,1BA | $995 |
| Willamette Terrace Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $995 |
| Liberty Street Apartments | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $999 |
| 1251-1277 Chemeketa St NE | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $1,050 |
| Parkview Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $1,225 |
| 6 Nineteen Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1,225 |
| 365 16th St SE | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1,250 |
| South Block Apartments | Studio-A-1A | Studio,1BA | $1,439 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central Area, OR
As of August 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central Area area is the $1.73 price per square foot 2x1 Model at The Meridian Apartments in the in the West Salem neighborhood starting from $2,050. The second greatest value Central Area apartment is the 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Model at WALLACE PARK APARTMENTS (03) starting at $1,450 with a $1.47 price per square foot in the West Salem neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central Area apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Meridian Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $1.73 |
| WALLACE PARK APARTMENTS (03) | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.47 |
| Liberty Street Apartments | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| Parkview Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $1.40 |
| 1481 Tripp / Lee Apartments | One Bed | 1BR,1BA | $1.24 |
| Taybin Terrace Apartments | Upstairs | 1BR,1BA | $1.57 |
| 365 16th St SE | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.79 |
| 6 Nineteen Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.04 |
| Madison Court Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $1.58 |
| Willamette Terrace Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.90 |
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.
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleCentral Area, Salem, OR
Ranked #16
Among cities in Oregon for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Central Area Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Central Area?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Central Area is at The Metropolitan Building listed at $500.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Central Area Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Central Area Apartment is $995 at 1481 Tripp / Lee Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Central Area Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Central Area is starting from $999 at Liberty Street Apartments.
What is the most affordable Central Area Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Central Area Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Willamette Terrace Apartments and starts from $1,800.
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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.