Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Rochester, NY
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Rochester are Maplewood, Willowbrook, and Northland-Lyceum. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Rochester, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 15, 2026, the average rent in Rochester is $1,331, which is 2.8% 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.
Maplewood
Average Rent
$1,189/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
48 Rentals
Maplewood is a historic neighborhood known for its beautiful, tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and proximity to Seneca Park Zoo and the Genesee River. This walkable neighborhood provides access to the Genesee River Trail, a scenic, 24-mile mixed-use trail.
Willowbrook
Average Rent
$1,191/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
Willowbrook is an affordable neighborhood in Rochester with an average rent price of $1,191. Compare this to the city average of $1,331. Willowbrook provides easy access to Monroe C.C., Damon City Campus, Ontario Beach Park, and Univ. of Rochester, Mt. Hope.
Northland-Lyceum
Average Rent
$1,356/Month
TransitScore® Rating
38/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rochester, Northland-Lyceum might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,356, while the city’s average stands at $1,331. Northland-Lyceum is near Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, Waring Plaza, and Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International.
Highland District
Average Rent
$1,358/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
Located along the Genesee River, Highland District is a scenic neighborhood near Highland Park, offering residents access to beautiful walking trails and seasonal events like the Lilac Festival. It's also the location of the University of Rochester and the beautiful Sunken Garden. Renters will enjoy the quiet, tree-lined streets and easy access to downtown Rochester.
Gateway
Average Rent
$1,381/Month
Units Available
18 Rentals
Gateway is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Gateway is $1,381 while the city average is $1,331. Residents enjoy convenient access to Roberts Wesleyan College, Seneca Park Zoo, and Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International.
Hickory Manor
Average Rent
$1,381/Month
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Rochester neighborhood on a budget, check out Hickory Manor. The average rent is $1,381, compared to the city average of $1,331. Hickory Manor is convenient to University of Rochester, Seneca Park Zoo, and Roberts Wesleyan College.
Upper Falls
Average Rent
$1,435/Month
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Upper Falls is a historic neighborhood near downtown Rochester. Renters will appreciate the area’s rich history and convenient access to shopping, dining, and public transportation. The neighborhood is ideal for those looking for a central location with a community feel.
Cobbs Hill
Average Rent
$1,455/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Cobbs Hill is known for Cobbs Hill Park, a large park that encompasses two lakes: Cobbs Hill Reservoir and Lake Riley. This scenic, 109-acre park is filled with lilacs and large oak trees, providing a beautiful location for outdoor activities. Cobbs Hill is southeast of Downtown Rochester, with easy access to I-490 for easy commutes.
South Wedge
Average Rent
$1,460/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
46/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
South Wedge is an affordable neighborhood in Rochester with an average rent price of $1,460. Compare this to the city average of $1,331. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.9%. South Wedge provides easy access to Highland Park and Lamberton Conservatory, Univ. of Rochester, Mt. Hope, and Univ. of Rochester, Medical. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 88.
Corn Hill
Average Rent
$1,534/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.5%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rochester, Corn Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,534, while the city’s average stands at $1,331. In the last year, prices have increased by 8.5%. Corn Hill is near Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International, Lamberton Conservatory, and Univ. of Rochester, Medical.
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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.