
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Wilmington Neighborhood of Wilmington, NC from $700 (21 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Wilmington area of Wilmington.


417 N 5th Ave, Unit 417 N 5th Ave #1

304 1/2 Marstellar St

The Pearl & The Jewel

206 S 20th St

Mid Castle

219 S 7th St
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.

Forest Hills

17 Social

Chateau Terrace

Overlook at RiverPlace

315 S 5th Ave, Unit #2

South Front

Cape Fear Hotel Apartments
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.

The Life at Lakeside Villas

Cargo North

1011 Queen St

The Terrace Apartments

Riverview

Riverview Apartments

Riverwalk Condominiums
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.
Downtown Wilmington, Wilmington, NC Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Wilmington?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Wilmington Studio Apartments | $1,456 | $1,000 | $2,250 |
| Downtown Wilmington 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,596 | $995 | $3,771 |
| Downtown Wilmington 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,857 | $995 | $3,892 |
| Downtown Wilmington 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,102 | $1,695 | $3,425 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 21 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Wilmington Neighborhood of Wilmington, NC.
See all Apartments in WilmingtonExplore Wilmington
Downtown Wilmington, Wilmington, NC Local Guide
- Nearby Wilmington neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
Cheapest Available Downtown Wilmington Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Wilmington area of Wilmington, NC is a Studio unit found at The Creek priced from $985. The Pearl & The Jewel has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $995. Here are the most affordable Downtown Wilmington apartments for rent in Wilmington, NC:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Creek | IVY | Studio,1BA | $985 |
| The Pearl & The Jewel | RUBY | 1BR,1BA | $995 |
| Mid Castle | Bennett - A | Studio,1BA | $1,050 |
| Forest Hills | SOUTHERN PINE | 1BR,1BA | $1,149 |
| Chateau Terrace | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,180 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Wilmington, NC
As of January 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Wilmington area is the $1.19 price per square foot 114 S 5th Ave Model at 114 S 5th Ave, Unit UP in the in the South Side neighborhood starting from $2,150. The second greatest value Downtown Wilmington apartment is the 2B Model at Flats on Front starting at $1,850 with a $1.52 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 114 S 5th Ave, Unit UP | 114 S 5th Ave | 3BR,1BA | $1.19 |
| Flats on Front | 2B | 2BR,2BA | $1.52 |
| 215 N 5th Ave, Unit B | 215 N 5th Ave | 3BR,2BA | $1.41 |
| City Block | Barcelona | 1BR,1BA | $1.79 |
| Sawmill Point | Alamosa | 1BR,1BA | $1.84 |
| Chateau Terrace | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.57 |
| 417 N 5th Ave, Unit 417 N 5th Ave #1 | 417 N 5th Ave | 1BR,1BA | $1.42 |
| 17 Social | A1A | 1BR,1BA | $2.09 |
| Forest Hills | SOUTHERN PINE | 1BR,1BA | $1.87 |
| The Creek | IVY | Studio ,1BA | $2.18 |
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 ArticleThe 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 ArticleCash 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 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.
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!
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 $1,405.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Wilmington?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Wilmington is The Pearl & The Jewel which is listed at $995, while the average apartment in Downtown Wilmington costs $1,955.
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 14 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 $205 which is $1,750 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

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.

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.

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.

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.