Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago are Jackson Park Highlands, Gresham, and Englewood. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chicago, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 23, 2025, the average rent in Chicago is $1,950, which is 4.3% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Jackson Park Highlands
Average Rent
$949/Month
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Jackson Park Highlands. The average rent is $949, compared to the city average of $1,950. Jackson Park Highlands is convenient to Paxton Place, Midway Plaisance Park, and King Drive Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Gresham
Average Rent
$1,063/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
38 Rentals
Gresham is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,063. Compare this to the city average of $1,950. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Gresham provides easy access to Chicago O'Hare International, Richard J. Daley College, and Hamilton Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 75.
Englewood
Average Rent
$1,064/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Englewood might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,064, while the city’s average stands at $1,950. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.4%. Englewood is near Ashland & 63Rd Street Station, Chicago O'Hare International, and Garfield Plaza.
Greater Grand Crossing
Average Rent
$1,071/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
59/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Greater Grand Crossing is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Greater Grand Crossing is $1,071 while the city average is $1,950. This is a 0.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Family Plaza, 69Th Street Station, and Southeast Food & Liquor. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.
East Chatham
Average Rent
$1,104/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
42 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out East Chatham. The average rent is $1,104, compared to the city average of $1,950. East Chatham is convenient to Chicago Midway International, Cottage Grove Station, and 95Th/Dan Ryan Terminal. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
Chatham
Average Rent
$1,130/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.4%
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
51 Rentals
Chatham is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,130. Compare this to the city average of $1,950. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.4%. Chatham provides easy access to Bronzeville Children's Museum, 69Th Street Station, and Saint Xavier University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.
South Shore
Average Rent
$1,134/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
122 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, South Shore might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,134, while the city’s average stands at $1,950. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.1%. South Shore is near South Shore Cultural Center, University of Chicago, and Rainbow Beach Park.
Brighton Park
Average Rent
$1,182/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
59/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Brighton Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Brighton Park is $1,182 while the city average is $1,950. This is a 3.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Archer Station, Rush University, and McKinley Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.
Chatham Fields
Average Rent
$1,200/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Chatham Fields. The average rent is $1,200, compared to the city average of $1,950. Chatham Fields is convenient to Chatham Ridge Shopping Center, University of Chicago, and Richard J. Daley College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Bryn Mawr Highlands
Average Rent
$1,224/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
Bryn Mawr Highlands is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,224. Compare this to the city average of $1,950. Bryn Mawr Highlands provides easy access to Arthur Ashe Beach Park, Jackson Park, and Chicago State University. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 67.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.