Cheap Apartments for Rent in Washington, DC from $500 (1,141 Rentals)

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The DC Housing Strategy: Balancing Career & Lifestyle Near Top Washington DC Area Employers

Renting in the D.C. area? Explore Takoma, Brookland, Glover Park, Charles Village, and more. Find a convenient, high-quality home near your major employer.

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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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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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Washington's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Washington and the best places to live with original content written by Local Expert Steve Lilly

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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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Washington, DC Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Washington, DC

Pricing Updated: 01/16/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Washington, DC area range in price from $705 to $21,089 with an overall median price of $4,265. The three Washington neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Glassmanor at $985, Cheltenham Park at $1,450, and Marlton at $1,616. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Washington Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Glassmanor$1,600$985116
Cheltenham Park$1,731$1,4501
Marlton$1,769$1,6166
Putters Choice$1,769$1,6166
North Forestville$1,895$1,059128
Heritage Glen$1,928$1,6169
Indian Spring Terrace$1,948$1,19845
Walker Mill$1,968$1,05994
Forest Manor$1,973$1,059174
International Corridor$2,039$1,14976

Cheapest Available Washington Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Washington, DC is a 1 Bed unit found at Clermont Apartments in the North Michigan Park neighborhood priced from $669. Gates of Ballston in the Maywood neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $750. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Washington apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Clermont Apartments1 BEDROOM1BR,1BA$669
Gates of BallstonOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$750
Bracken SquareA11BR,1BA$800
Eagles Crossing Apartments1 Bdr Lg1BR,1BA$820
Greenwood Manor Apartments1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$825
The SpireOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$870
Cypress on VinePrivate Bed & Shared Bath / 6 Person Suite1BR,1BA$900
Paradise At Parkside Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$900
King TowersStudioStudio,1BA$947

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Washington, DC

As of January 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the Washington area is the $0.83 price per square foot 1743 N Capitol St NE Model at 1743 N Capitol St NE, Unit 2 in the in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood starting from $2,500. The second greatest value Washington apartment is the OSLOhill Units 2-5 Model at OSLOhill Co-Living Apartments starting at $1,299 with a $0.54 price per square foot in the Hillsdale neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Washington apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1743 N Capitol St NE, Unit 21743 N Capitol St NE2BR,2BA$0.83
OSLOhill Co-Living ApartmentsOSLOhill Units 2-56BR,6BA$0.54
Towns at Andrews Park3 Bedroom Townhome3BR,2.5BA$1.25
OSLOatlas (Furnished Bedrooms)OSLOatlas Units 4-85BR,5BA$0.70
Hub College Park4x3.5 TH C4BR,3.5BA$0.98
University View4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH XL TOWER 14BR,2BA$0.94
1122 Owen Place NE, Unit Frontbedroom1122 Owen Place NE1BR,1BA$1.25
Oakcrest Towers2bed/1bath2BR,1BA$1.24
1639 Winding Waye Ln, Unit Garden apartment1639 Winding Waye LnStudio ,1BA$1.27
Clermont Apartments1 BEDROOM1BR,1BA$0.84

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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The 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.

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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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Rent Smart in Washington DC: Best Neighborhoods to Rent for University Students

Discover the top neighborhoods for university students to rent in Washington D.C. Find affordable, convenient, and vibrant areas near major campuses on ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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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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Washington Overview

You may know Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, primarily as the seat of power in the American government. However, besides its fame for playing host to the White House and Capitol Hill, D.C. is also a cultural mecca. It is one of the most globally diverse places to live in the world, making the social and artistic scenes varied and plentiful. From historical monuments to boozy, late-night cafes, DC life is definitely not all work and no play, though the city is a humming business center by day. The District of Columbia can be a wonderful place for families to grow, in a variety of habitats. Historic neighborhood townhouses, high-rise condos and more line the streets. If you’re looking for an urban lifestyle and a dynamic place to live, finding you new home among the many wonderful Washington DC apartments is worth a look.

Why live in Washington, DC?

There’s a sense of excitement in the air a lot of the time in Washington D.C. The ethnic and cultural diversity add to the vital social scene. The global leaders operating around you add to the sense of historical importance of the place. And the world-class universities bring young people to keep the city vibrant, and attract major artists, scientists and thinkers to the scene. No matter what neighborhood in D.C. you live in, you’re likely to be neighbors with someone who does something cool or interesting. D.C. has history, an impressive downtown district, charming brownstone blocks, major industry, and tons of free public parks, monuments and museums. The global cuisine is delicious, and there is culture all around you. What’s not to love?

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Washington Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Washington?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Washington is under $947.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Washington?

The cheapest apartment in Washington is Clermont Apartments which is listed at $669, while the average apartment in Washington costs $4,265.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Washington?

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 50,669 regular apartments in Washington 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 Washington?

Cheap apartments in Washington have an average cost of $603 which is $3,662 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Washington.

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

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A Washington DC Local Expert's Guide to Top Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in the DC Metro

Written by: Steve Lilly

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, DC.

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Rent Smart in Washington DC: Best Neighborhoods to Rent for University Students

Written by: Steve Lilly

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, DC.

decorative image for The DC Housing Strategy: Balancing Career & Lifestyle Near Top Washington DC Area Employers article

The DC Housing Strategy: Balancing Career & Lifestyle Near Top Washington DC Area Employers

Written by: Steve Lilly

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, D.C.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!