Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago are Marynook, Calumet Heights, and Burnside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chicago, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 21, 2026, the average rent in Chicago is $1,989, which is 2.7% 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
$960/Month
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
17 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 $960, while the city’s average stands at $1,989. Marynook is near 69Th Street Station, Ill. Inst. of Technology, and Jeffrey Manor II.
Calumet Heights
Average Rent
$961/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Calumet Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Calumet Heights is $961 while the city average is $1,989. This is a 2.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Avalon Park, University of Chicago, and 87Th Street Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
Burnside
Average Rent
$974/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.7%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Burnside. The average rent is $974, compared to the city average of $1,989. Rent prices have increased by 3.7%. Burnside is convenient to Hamilton Park, Saint Xavier University, and Trumbull Park. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 69.
Dauphin Park
Average Rent
$974/Month
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Dauphin Park is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $974. Compare this to the city average of $1,989. Dauphin Park provides easy access to 69Th Street Station, Hamilton Park, and Chicago Midway International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 75.
Avalon Park
Average Rent
$986/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
19 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 $986, while the city’s average stands at $1,989. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.7%. Avalon Park is near Southeast Food & Liquor, Chicago O'Hare International, and Chicago Midway International.
Chicago Lawn
Average Rent
$1,017/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Chicago Lawn is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Chicago Lawn is $1,017 while the city average is $1,989. This is a 3.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Saint Xavier University, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dan Ryan Woods. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Marquette Park
Average Rent
$1,030/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Marquette Park. The average rent is $1,030, compared to the city average of $1,989. Rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Marquette Park is convenient to Pulaski Plaza, Richard J. Daley College, and Gage Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 71.
East Chatham
Average Rent
$1,039/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
73 Rentals
East Chatham is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,039. Compare this to the city average of $1,989. East Chatham provides easy access to Richard J. Daley College, Bessemer Park, and Chicago State University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 85.
Chatham
Average Rent
$1,054/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
87 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Chatham might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,054, while the city’s average stands at $1,989. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.7%. Chatham is near Chatham Market, 79Th Street Station, and Chicago State University.
Greater Grand Crossing
Average Rent
$1,063/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
38 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 $1,063 while the city average is $1,989. This is a 2.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to West Chatham Plaza, 79Th Street Station, and Chicago Midway International. 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.