Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago are Marynook, Avalon Park, and Burnside. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chicago, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of October 9, 2025, the average rent in Chicago is $1,951, which is 4.4% 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
$911/Month
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Marynook. The average rent is $911, compared to the city average of $1,951. Marynook is convenient to Chicago State University, University of Chicago, and Stony Island Plaza. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Avalon Park
Average Rent
$917/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.9%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Avalon Park is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $917. Compare this to the city average of $1,951. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.9%. Avalon Park provides easy access to Southeast Food & Liquor, Avalon Park, and University of Chicago. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 76.
Burnside
Average Rent
$934/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chicago, Burnside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $934, while the city’s average stands at $1,951. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.7%. Burnside is near Richard J. Daley College, University of Chicago, and Sherman Plaza.
Calumet Heights
Average Rent
$951/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
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 $951 while the city average is $1,951. This is a 3.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Chicago O'Hare International, Jeffrey Manor II, and Yates Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
East Chatham
Average Rent
$988/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
62 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out East Chatham. The average rent is $988, compared to the city average of $1,951. East Chatham is convenient to Chicago O'Hare International, 95Th/Dan Ryan Terminal, and Cottage Grove Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
Chatham
Average Rent
$999/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
18/100
Units Available
68 Rentals
Chatham is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $999. Compare this to the city average of $1,951. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Chatham provides easy access to Jackson Park, Bronzeville Children's Museum, and Foster Park. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 36.
Jackson Park Highlands
Average Rent
$1,009/Month
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
24 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 $1,009, while the city’s average stands at $1,951. Jackson Park Highlands is near Jackson Park, Chicago O'Hare International, and Columbia College Chicago.
Greater Grand Crossing
Average Rent
$1,013/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
18 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 $1,013 while the city average is $1,951. This is a 2.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Chicago State University, Jackson Park, and Avalon Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.
Chicago Lawn
Average Rent
$1,030/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chicago neighborhood on a budget, check out Chicago Lawn. The average rent is $1,030, compared to the city average of $1,951. Rent prices have increased by 4%. Chicago Lawn is convenient to Kedzie Plaza, Chicago O'Hare International, and Chicago Midway International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Englewood
Average Rent
$1,045/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Englewood is an affordable neighborhood in Chicago with an average rent price of $1,045. Compare this to the city average of $1,951. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.9%. Englewood provides easy access to Garfield Plaza, Halsted Station (Green Line), and Ogden Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 65.
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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.