Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown Neighborhood of Washington, DC from $700 (86 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown area of Washington.

close
View Me
555
Rent Specials
$1,246 - $3,837
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,246 - $3,837

Total Monthly Price
$1,246 - $3,837
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

555

555 E St SWWashington, DC 20024
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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 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.

close
View Me
The Baystate
Rent Specials
$1,525 - $2,250
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,525 - $2,250

Total Monthly Price
$1,525 - $2,250
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Jun 7

The Baystate

1701 Mass Ave NWWashington, DC 20036
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
The Iris
Rent Specials
$1,529 - $4,030
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,529 - $4,030

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Iris

7 M St NEWashington, DC 20002
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
property at 1727 Massachusetts Ave NW

$1,545 - $1,800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,545 - $1,800

Total Monthly Price
$1,545 - $1,800

Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1727 Massachusetts Ave NW

WashingtonDC20036

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.

close
View Me
SoNYa
Rent Specials
$1,633 - $3,192
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,633 - $3,192

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

SoNYa

40 Patterson St NEWashington, DC 20002
Transit Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
The Belgard
Rent Specials
$1,729 - $4,664
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,729 - $4,664

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Belgard

33 N St NEWashington, DC 20002
Transit Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

close
View Me
The Aspen
$1,805 - $8,862
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,805 - $8,862

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Aspen

1011 4th St NWWashington, DC 20001
Transit Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Banner Lane
Rent Specials
$1,865 - $3,830
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,865 - $3,830

Total Monthly Price
$1,865 - $3,830
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Banner Lane

44 Banner LnWashington, DC 20001
Transit Friendly
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Slate at NoMa
Rent Specials
$1,868 - $4,828
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,868 - $4,828

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Slate at NoMa

51 M St NEWashington, DC 20002
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Discover DC: The Insider's Guide to Renting in Our Nation's Capital

Explore Washington DC like a local with this insider's guide to renting in the Nation's Capital. Explore the area's best neighborhoods, hidden gems, and diverse, delicious food scene.

Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown, Washington, DC Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown area of Washington, DC is a Studio unit found at King Towers priced from $947. 555 has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,246. Here are the most affordable Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown apartments for rent in Washington, DC:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
King TowersStudioStudio,1BA$947
555Senior Housing S2Studio,1BA$1,246
Liberty PlaceStudio BStudio,1BA$1,362
The IrisS5AFFStudio,1BA$1,529
The Phoenix ApartmentsStudio 04 TierStudio,1BA$1,589
MiramarSTUDIOStudio,1BA$1,599
Capital Plaza ApartmentsSTUDIO (ST 1)Studio,1BA$1,599
Affinity at 2MStudio Plan A MarketStudio,1BA$1,600
Affordable apartment in Dupont Circle0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,635
SoNYaA3 | Studio | 1 BathStudio,1BA$1,639

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown, DC

As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown area is the $2.96 price per square foot E-G Model at The Ashton at Judiciary Square in the in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood starting from $5,522. The second greatest value Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown apartment is the B2C Model at Andover House starting at $3,981 with a $3.44 price per square foot in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Ashton at Judiciary SquareE-G2BR,2.5BA$2.96
Andover HouseB2C2BR,2BA$3.44
402 M Street NW, Unit Apt C402 M Street NW1BR,1BA$2.27
1015 P St NW, Unit 21015 P St NW2BR,1BA$2.59
Tribeca NOMAA1D (w/Den)1BR,1BA$2.84
The Lansburgh1BR1BR,1BA$3.04
Carmel PlazaTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.05
1406 3rd St NW, Unit Unit B1406 3rd St NW1BR,1BA$2.62
1339 14th St NW, Unit Unit 21339 14th St NW1BR,1BA$3.38
Zen ApolloUrban One - 478Studio ,1BA$3.45

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

Read Article
Decorative image

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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick 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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you Lifestyle Ratings of neighborhoods, cities and towns, and rental properties across District of Columbia and customized analysis for Central Washington. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, places that make kids happy, proximity to transit, and more. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown is under $1,639.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown is Liberty Place which is listed at $1,446, while the average apartment in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown costs $5,882.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown?

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 283 regular apartments in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown 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 Penn Quarter Chinatown?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown have an average cost of $1,151 which is $4,731 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Penn Quarter Chinatown.

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

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

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.

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

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.

decorative image for Discover DC: The Insider's Guide to Renting in Our Nations Capital article

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

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.