Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Lawrence, KS

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Lawrence are HiIlcrest, University Place, and Oread. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Lawrence, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 6, 2026, the average rent in Lawrence is $1,009, 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.

HiIlcrest

Average Rent

$946/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

Units Available

35 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Lawrence neighborhood on a budget, check out HiIlcrest. The average rent is $946, compared to the city average of $1,009. Rent prices have increased by 2.5%. HiIlcrest is convenient to Baker University, Washburn University, and 1501 Scotch Plaza.

University Place

Average Rent

$1,015/Month

Units Available

10 Rentals

University Place is an affordable neighborhood in Lawrence with an average rent price of $1,015. Compare this to the city average of $1,009. University Place provides easy access to Baker University, Washburn University, and Southern Hills.

Oread

Average Rent

$1,094/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

Units Available

30 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Lawrence, Oread might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,094, while the city’s average stands at $1,009. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.9%. Oread is near Clinton State Park, Washburn University, and The University of Kansas.

Deerfield

Average Rent

$1,225/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

Units Available

10 Rentals

Deerfield is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Deerfield is $1,225 while the city average is $1,009. This is a -1.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Sunset West Shopping Center, The University of Kansas, and Prairie Park Nature Center.

Schwegler

Average Rent

$1,229/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4%

Units Available

12 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Lawrence neighborhood on a budget, check out Schwegler. The average rent is $1,229, compared to the city average of $1,009. Rent prices have increased by 4%. Schwegler is convenient to Hollywood Plaza Shopping Center, University of Kansas Natural History Museum, and Clinton State Park.

East Lawrence

Average Rent

$1,244/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.4%

Units Available

33 Rentals

East Lawrence is an affordable neighborhood in Lawrence with an average rent price of $1,244. Compare this to the city average of $1,009. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.4%. East Lawrence provides easy access to Haskell Indian Nations Univ., The University of Kansas, and Central Data Computer Systems.

Old West Lawrence

Average Rent

$1,259/Month

Units Available

37 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Lawrence, Old West Lawrence might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,259, while the city’s average stands at $1,009. Old West Lawrence is near Prairie Park Nature Center, Central Data Computer Systems, and Washburn University.

South Lawrence

Average Rent

$1,283/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.4%

Units Available

88 Rentals

South Lawrence is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Lawrence is $1,283 while the city average is $1,009. This is a 3.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Washburn University, Broadway Plaza, and Pine Ridge Plaza.

West Lawrence

Average Rent

$1,402/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

Units Available

58 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Lawrence neighborhood on a budget, check out West Lawrence. The average rent is $1,402, compared to the city average of $1,009. Rent prices have increased by 2.5%. West Lawrence is convenient to Westgate Center, Wakarusa Crossroads S/C, and Prairie Park Nature Center.

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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.