Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Albany, NY

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Albany are West Hill, Center Square, and Pine Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Albany, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 18, 2025, the average rent in Albany is $1,505, which is 2.4% 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.

West Hill

Average Rent

$1,106/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

58/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

West Hill is a diverse, community-centric neighborhood that gives renters a small town feel with the excitement of New York living. The Tivoli Lake Preserve provides the perfect getaway for nature lovers, and Bleecker Stadium enhances the community through youth and adult sports leagues.

Center Square

Average Rent

$1,327/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.5%

TransitScore® Rating

69/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

Center Square is a historic neighborhood known for its charming brownstones and proximity to Washington Park. Events at The Egg and Empire State Plaza and exhibits at the New York State Museum ensure there's always something to do.

Pine Hills

Average Rent

$1,394/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

TransitScore® Rating

58/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Pine Hills is known for its historic homes and walkability. Residents enjoy living in a suburban, picket fence dream near Washington Park and Downtown Albany.

Capitol Hill

Average Rent

$1,420/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

TransitScore® Rating

67/100

Units Available

26 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Albany, Capitol Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,420, while the city’s average stands at $1,505. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.1%. Capitol Hill is near Audubon Center at Knox Farm State Park, Albany International, and SUNY Albany, Downtown Campus.

Sheridan Hollow

Average Rent

$1,434/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

TransitScore® Rating

71/100

Units Available

38 Rentals

Sheridan Hollow is a centrally located neighborhood just north of Downtown Albany. Historic townhomes and duplexes are a staple of Sheridan Hollow, giving the neighborhood the signature New York feel.

Arbor Hill

Average Rent

$1,487/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

64/100

Units Available

52 Rentals

Arbor Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Arbor Hill is $1,487 while the city average is $1,505. This is a 1.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Albany International, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, and New York State Museum. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 66.

Washington Park

Average Rent

$1,525/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.6%

TransitScore® Rating

63/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

Washington Park is a popular neighborhood centered around its namesake, the iconic Washington Park. Renters will enjoy the proximity to local shops and restaurants, as well as community events at Washington Park.

Downtown Albany Historic District

Average Rent

$1,527/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

71/100

Units Available

55 Rentals

The Downtown Albany Historic District is a bustling area filled with art, history, and nightlife. Catch a show at the MVP Arena or an art exhibit at the Albany Center Gallery. The neighborhood's walkability and vintage architecture make it a city landmark.

Westlawn

Average Rent

$1,562/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

20 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Albany neighborhood on a budget, check out Westlawn. The average rent is $1,562, compared to the city average of $1,505. Westlawn is convenient to Albany International, The College of Saint Rose, and New York State Museum. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 64.

Park South

Average Rent

$1,607/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

63/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

Park South is an affordable neighborhood in Albany with an average rent price of $1,607. Compare this to the city average of $1,505. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Park South provides easy access to Delaware Plaza, Albany International, and City Square Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 88.

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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.