Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Rochester, NY

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Rochester are Charlotte, Willowbrook, and Maplewood. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Rochester, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 12, 2025, the average rent in Rochester is $1,302, which is 3% 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.

Charlotte

Average Rent

$1,150/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.8%

TransitScore® Rating

29/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

Charlotte is a waterfront neighborhood offering scenic views of Lake Ontario and easy access to outdoor activities like boating and beachgoing. Renters will enjoy the relaxed, coastal vibe and proximity to the Charlotte Pier and Ontario Beach Park. The area is perfect for those seeking a mix of suburban living and lakeside recreation.

Willowbrook

Average Rent

$1,176/Month

Units Available

11 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rochester, Willowbrook might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,176, while the city’s average stands at $1,302. Willowbrook is near Dewey-Latta Plaza, Durand Eastman Park, and Ontario Beach Park.

Maplewood

Average Rent

$1,183/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

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.

Upper Falls

Average Rent

$1,312/Month

TransitScore® Rating

55/100

Units Available

16 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.

Gateway

Average Rent

$1,317/Month

Units Available

19 Rentals

Gateway is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Gateway is $1,317 while the city average is $1,302. Residents enjoy convenient access to Univ. of Rochester, Medical, Greece Canal Park, and Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International.

Hickory Manor

Average Rent

$1,317/Month

Units Available

19 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rochester neighborhood on a budget, check out Hickory Manor. The average rent is $1,317, compared to the city average of $1,302. Hickory Manor is convenient to Elmgrove Crossings, Genesee Valley Park, and University of Rochester Arboretum.

South Wedge

Average Rent

$1,500/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

South Wedge is an affordable neighborhood in Rochester with an average rent price of $1,500. Compare this to the city average of $1,302. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.5%. South Wedge provides easy access to Park Berkeley Shopping Center, Univ. of Rochester, Mt. Hope, and Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 88.

High Falls

Average Rent

$1,570/Month

TransitScore® Rating

65/100

Units Available

32 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rochester, High Falls might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,570, while the city’s average stands at $1,302. High Falls is near Upper Falls Shopping Center, Rochester Museum & Science Center, and Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International.

Corn Hill

Average Rent

$1,581/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

11%

TransitScore® Rating

61/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

Corn Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Corn Hill is $1,581 while the city average is $1,302. This is a 11% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Retail at Vida, University of Rochester Arboretum, and Highland Park and Lamberton Conservatory. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.

Highland View

Average Rent

$1,598/Month

TransitScore® Rating

36/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rochester neighborhood on a budget, check out Highland View. The average rent is $1,598, compared to the city average of $1,302. Highland View is convenient to University of Rochester, Mt. Hope Plaza, and Univ. of Rochester, Medical. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 30.

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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.