Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Ithaca, NY

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Ithaca are Cayuga Heights, Northeast Ithaca, and Collegetown. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Ithaca, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 28, 2026, the average rent in Ithaca is $1,834, which is 0.4% lower 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.

Cayuga Heights

Average Rent

$1,626/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.1%

Units Available

34 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Ithaca, Cayuga Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,626, while the city’s average stands at $1,834. In the last year, prices have increased by 6.1%. Cayuga Heights is near Sciencenter, Cornell Plantations, and Village Green Shopping Center.

Northeast Ithaca

Average Rent

$1,678/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

Units Available

72 Rentals

Northeast Ithaca is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northeast Ithaca is $1,678 while the city average is $1,834. This is a 0.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ithaca Tompkins International, Village Green Shopping Center, and Cornell University.

Collegetown

Average Rent

$2,018/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

Units Available

79 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Ithaca neighborhood on a budget, check out Collegetown. The average rent is $2,018, compared to the city average of $1,834. Rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Collegetown is convenient to Cornell University, Sciencenter, and Elmira/Corning Regional.

East Ithaca

Average Rent

$2,081/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

Units Available

45 Rentals

East Ithaca is an affordable neighborhood in Ithaca with an average rent price of $2,081. Compare this to the city average of $1,834. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.4%. East Ithaca provides easy access to Ithaca College, Cornell University, and Fuertes Observatory.

Ithaca

Average Rent

$2,244/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

Units Available

276 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Ithaca, Ithaca might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,244, while the city’s average stands at $1,834. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.8%. Ithaca is near Ithaca College, Ithaca Tompkins International, and Elmira College.

Downtown Ithaca

Average Rent

$2,500/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

Units Available

125 Rentals

Downtown Ithaca is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Ithaca is $2,500 while the city average is $1,834. This is a -1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Sciencenter, Newman Arboretum, and Fuertes Observatory.

Northwest Ithaca

Average Rent

$2,569/Month

Units Available

44 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Ithaca neighborhood on a budget, check out Northwest Ithaca. The average rent is $2,569, compared to the city average of $1,834. Northwest Ithaca is convenient to SUNY Cortland, Fuertes Observatory, and Cornell University.

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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.