Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago are Chicago Lawn, West Englewood, and Marquette Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chicago, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of August 11, 2025, the average rent in Chicago is $1,963, which is 4.9% 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.
Chicago Lawn
Average Rent
$1,005/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Chicago Lawn is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,005. Compare this to the city average of $1,963. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.6%. Chicago Lawn provides easy access to Western Commons Shopping Center, Chicago Midway International, and Saint Xavier University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 77.
West Englewood
Average Rent
$1,025/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, West Englewood might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,025, while the city’s average stands at $1,963. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.8%. West Englewood is near Western Commons Shopping Center, Richard J. Daley College, and Englewood Plaza.
Marquette Park
Average Rent
$1,033/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Marquette Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Marquette Park is $1,033 while the city average is $1,963. This is a 2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Kedzie Station (Orange Line), Huck Finn Plaza, and Midway Terminal. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 71.
Chatham
Average Rent
$1,079/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Chatham. The average rent is $1,079, compared to the city average of $1,963. Rent prices have increased by 3.1%. Chatham is convenient to 79Th Street Station, Saint Xavier University, and Bronzeville Children's Museum. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
East Chatham
Average Rent
$1,108/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
East Chatham is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,108. Compare this to the city average of $1,963. East Chatham provides easy access to Chicago O'Hare International, 712 E 87th St, and Avalon Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 85.
Chatham Fields
Average Rent
$1,153/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Chatham Fields might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,153, while the city’s average stands at $1,963. Chatham Fields is near Richard J. Daley College, Saint Xavier University, and Chatham Ridge Shopping Center.
South Shore
Average Rent
$1,178/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
79 Rentals
South Shore is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Shore is $1,178 while the city average is $1,963. This is a 2.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to King Drive Station, 69Th Street Station, and Jeffrey Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 75.
Englewood
Average Rent
$1,186/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Englewood. The average rent is $1,186, compared to the city average of $1,963. Rent prices have increased by 2.5%. Englewood is convenient to Chicago State University, Hamilton Park, and Ogden Park. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Gresham
Average Rent
$1,261/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
Gresham is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,261. Compare this to the city average of $1,963. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.8%. Gresham provides easy access to Diamond Plaza, Ashland & 63Rd Street Station, and Dan Ryan Woods. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 75.
Jackson Park Highlands
Average Rent
$1,285/Month
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Jackson Park Highlands might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,285, while the city’s average stands at $1,963. Jackson Park Highlands is near 79Th Street Station, Arthur Ashe Beach Park, and Chicago Midway International.
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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.