Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Wilmington Neighborhood of Wilmington, NC from $700 (23 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Wilmington area of Wilmington.

property at 219 S 7th St

219 S 7th St

WilmingtonNC28401

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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Cargo North
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Cargo North

514 S 17th StWilmington, NC 28401
  • Utilities Included

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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The Terrace Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Terrace Apartments

214 Red Cross StWilmington, NC 28401
  • Utilities Included
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Riverview
1 Bedroom Apartments

Riverview

212 Red Cross StWilmington, NC 28401
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Riverview Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Riverview Apartments

211 Red Cross StWilmington, NC 28401
  • Utilities Included

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

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Riverwalk Condominiums
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Riverwalk Condominiums

212 S Water StWilmington, NC 28401
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included

Downtown Wilmington, Wilmington, NC Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Wilmington Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Wilmington area of Wilmington, NC is a 1 Bed unit found at The Creek priced from $975. Cargo North has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $975. Here are the most affordable Downtown Wilmington apartments for rent in Wilmington, NC:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The CreekAZALEA1BR,1BA$975
Cargo North1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$975
The Pearl & The JewelSYDNEY1BR,1BA$1,125
Chateau Terrace1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,180
Forest HillsSOUTHERN PINE1BR,1BA$1,199

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Wilmington, NC

As of December 11, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Wilmington area is the $1.50 price per square foot 215 N 5th Ave Model at 215 N 5th Ave, Unit B in the in the Carolina Heights neighborhood starting from $1,795. The second greatest value Downtown Wilmington apartment is the Athens Model at City Block starting at $1,670 with a $1.65 price per square foot in the Carolina Heights neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Wilmington apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
215 N 5th Ave, Unit B215 N 5th Ave3BR,2BA$1.50
City BlockAthens2BR,2BA$1.65
Sawmill PointAlamosa1BR,1BA$1.77
Chateau Terrace1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.57
417 N 5th Ave, Unit 417 N 5th Ave #1417 N 5th Ave1BR,1BA$1.57
306 Kenwood Ave, Unit A306 Kenwood Ave1BR,1BA$1.53
The CreekAZALEA1BR,1BA$1.57
Forest HillsSOUTHERN PINE1BR,1BA$1.95
South FrontLouis Armstrong1BR,1BA$2.24
Cargo North1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.95

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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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, and customized analysis for Central Wilmington, NC. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for proximity to parks, luxury amenities, places to raise kids, raising pets, transit options, walking, and biking. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Getting Around the Downtown Wilmington Neighborhood in Wilmington, NC

Walk Score®

85 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

86 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Wilmington Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Wilmington?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Wilmington is under $1,329.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Wilmington?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Wilmington is Cargo North which is listed at $975, while the average apartment in Downtown Wilmington costs $1,885.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Wilmington?

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 4 regular apartments in Downtown Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Wilmington have an average cost of $162 which is $1,723 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Wilmington.

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

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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! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.