Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago are Marynook, Burnside, and Chicago Lawn. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chicago, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 7, 2026, the average rent in Chicago is $1,956, which is 4.5% 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.
Marynook
Average Rent
$948/Month
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Marynook might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $948, while the city’s average stands at $1,956. Marynook is near South Shore Cultural Center, Stony Island Plaza, and Cottage Grove Station.
Burnside
Average Rent
$950/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Burnside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Burnside is $950 while the city average is $1,956. This is a 5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 95Th/Dan Ryan Terminal, Chicago State University, and Chatham Ridge Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 69.
Chicago Lawn
Average Rent
$954/Month
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Chicago Lawn. The average rent is $954, compared to the city average of $1,956. Chicago Lawn is convenient to Ashland & 63Rd Street Station, McKinley Park, and Kedzie Plaza. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Calumet Heights
Average Rent
$956/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Calumet Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $956. Compare this to the city average of $1,956. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.6%. Calumet Heights provides easy access to Cottage Grove Station, 87Th Street Station, and Avalon Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 79.
Avalon Park
Average Rent
$969/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.3%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Avalon Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $969, while the city’s average stands at $1,956. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.3%. Avalon Park is near 87Th Street Station, Chicago State University, and South Shore Cultural Center.
East Chatham
Average Rent
$985/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
73 Rentals
East Chatham is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in East Chatham is $985 while the city average is $1,956. Residents enjoy convenient access to Jackson Park, Bronzeville Children's Museum, and 69Th Street Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
Chatham
Average Rent
$1,008/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
18/100
Units Available
87 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Chatham. The average rent is $1,008, compared to the city average of $1,956. Rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Chatham is convenient to University of Chicago, Foster Park, and Chicago Midway International. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 36.
Jackson Park Highlands
Average Rent
$1,008/Month
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Jackson Park Highlands is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,008. Compare this to the city average of $1,956. Jackson Park Highlands provides easy access to Garfield Station (Green Line), Jeffrey Plaza, and University of Chicago. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 78.
Marquette Park
Average Rent
$1,018/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Marquette Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,018, while the city’s average stands at $1,956. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.1%. Marquette Park is near Marquette Park, Midway Terminal, and Kmart Plaza.
Greater Grand Crossing
Average Rent
$1,029/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
59/100
Units Available
42 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 $1,029 while the city average is $1,956. This is a 0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Midway Plaisance Park, King Drive Station, and Chicago State University. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.
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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.