
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Washington, DC from $500 (1,175 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Washington.


Eagles Crossing Apartments

R Street Apartments

Greenwood Manor Apartments

3503 Minnesota Ave SE

Madrona Apartments

Paradise At Parkside Apartments

Total Monthly Price
2200 Hunter Pl SE, Unit 101

Linwood Apartments

Total Monthly Price
2509 10th St NE
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.

The Appleton at Spring Flats Senior 62+

Langston Views

10 Danbury St SE

Total Monthly Price
825 48th Pl NE, Unit 1

Savannah

2937 Nelson Pl SE

Cypress on Vine

317 Anacostia Rd SE

Delwin Apartments

Naylor Gardens
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.

4239 1st St SE

Total Monthly Price
The Hecht Warehouse

The Gardens

Livingston House

Monroe Co-Living

141 Galveston Pl SW

4107 Connecticut Avenue

Total Monthly Price
313 Bryant St NE, Unit Furnised 1BD +w/d NE DC

16 Danbury St SE

Skyland Apartments
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.

Randle Hill

Madison Courts

4732 Benning Rd SE

Viva at Capitol Hill

C H Houston

Total Monthly Price
Jetu

Total Monthly Price
2918 Sherman Ave NW, Unit A

24 Danbury St SE

1936 Naylor Rd SE

136 Kenilworth Avenue Northeast
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.

4235 1st St SE

3304.5 E Capitol St SE

Total Monthly Price
Garden Village

Friendship Crossing

Total Monthly Price
5102 Warren Plz NW, Unit 3

327 Parkland Pl SE

1223 Harvard St NW, Unit A

Total Monthly Price
231 Oakwood St SE

Total Monthly Price
1713 D St NE, Unit 1 Bed 1 Bath Capitol Hill

1603 28th St SE
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.
Washington, DC Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Washington?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Washington Studio Apartments | $1,960 | $900 | $9,153 |
| Cheap Washington 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,422 | $750 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Washington 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,113 | $850 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Washington 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,617 | $900 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Washington 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,265 | $909 | $10,000+ |
| Washington 5 Bedroom Apartments | $3,306 | $950 | $10,000+ |
| Washington 6 Bedroom Apartments | $4,708 | $1,196 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in Washington
See all Apartments in WashingtonExplore Washington

Washington, DC Local Guide

- Washington Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Washington, DC
Pricing Updated: 06/05/2026Current apartment rentals in the Washington, DC area range in price from $730 to $28,580 with an overall median price of $5,820. The three Washington neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Indian Spring Terrace at $1,148, Cheltenham Park at $1,435, 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Spring Terrace | $1,648 | $1,148 | 59 |
| Cheltenham Park | $1,750 | $1,435 | 4 |
| Marlton | $1,769 | $1,616 | 6 |
| Putters Choice | $1,769 | $1,616 | 6 |
| Forest Manor | $1,896 | $1,050 | 190 |
| Heritage Glen | $1,928 | $1,616 | 8 |
| Kemp Mill | $1,950 | $1,074 | 336 |
| Oxon Run Hills | $1,950 | $900 | 121 |
| Northwood Forest | $2,008 | $998 | 371 |
| Franklin Knolls | $2,039 | $998 | 57 |
Cheapest Available Washington Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Washington, DC is a 1 Bed unit found at The Residences at Forest Glen in the Rosemary Hills neighborhood priced from $776. Bracken Square in the Kilmarock neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Washington apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Residences at Forest Glen | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $776 |
| Bracken Square | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $800 |
| Eagles Crossing Apartments | 1 Bdr Lg | 1BR,1BA | $820 |
| R Street Apartments | 1BR | 1BR,1BA | $825 |
| Greenwood Manor Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $825 |
| Parkside | 2x2 Shared | 2BR,2BA | $850 |
| Paradise At Parkside Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $900 |
| 2509 10th St NE | 2509 10th St NE | 1BR,1BA | $935 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Washington, DC
As of June 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Washington area is the $0.47 price per square foot 2918 Sherman Ave NW Model at 2918 Sherman Ave NW, Unit A in the in the Howard University neighborhood starting from $1,150. The second greatest value Washington apartment is the 4x3.5 TH C Model at Hub College Park starting at $1,635 with a $0.98 price per square foot in the College Heights Estates neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Washington apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2918 Sherman Ave NW, Unit A | 2918 Sherman Ave NW | 1BR,1BA | $0.47 |
| Hub College Park | 4x3.5 TH C | 4BR,3.5BA | $0.98 |
| 4514 Albemarle St NW, Unit 1 | 4514 Albemarle St NW | 1BR,1BA | $1.38 |
| Terrapin Row | D3 | 4BR,4BA | $1.09 |
| University View | 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH XL TOWER 1 | 4BR,2BA | $1.00 |
| Parkside | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $1.31 |
| 2200 Hunter Pl SE, Unit 101 | 2200 Hunter Pl SE | 3BR,1BA | $1.00 |
| 825 48th Pl NE, Unit 1 | 825 48th Pl NE | 1BR,1BA | $1.13 |
| 313 Bryant St NE, Unit Furnised 1BD +w/d NE DC | 313 Bryant St NE | 1BR,1BA | $1.38 |
| Bracken Square | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.35 |
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 ArticleRent 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.
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.
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!
Explore Washington, DC Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Washington, DC
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 $935.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Washington?
The cheapest apartment in Washington is The Residences at Forest Glen which is listed at $776, while the average apartment in Washington costs $5,820.
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 38,434 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 $596 which is $5,224 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

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.

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.

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.

Discover DC: The Insider's Guide to Renting in Our Nations Capital
Written by: Steve Lilly
Greetings from Washington, DC! I'm Stephen, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, and I'd love to give you the inside scoop on a city that many people only think of in terms of visiting, not living in.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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.