Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Chapel Hill, NC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chapel Hill are Crosstown at Chapel Hill, Pickard Oaks, and Carolina North. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chapel Hill, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 13, 2025, the average rent in Chapel Hill is $1,516, which is 1.1% 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.
Crosstown at Chapel Hill
Average Rent
$1,248/Month
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Crosstown at Chapel Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill with an average rent price of $1,248. Compare this to the city average of $1,516. Crosstown at Chapel Hill provides easy access to Piedmont Wildlife Center, Raleigh-Durham International, and Duke University. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 34.
Pickard Oaks
Average Rent
$1,354/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill, Pickard Oaks might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,354, while the city’s average stands at $1,516. Pickard Oaks is near Rams Plaza, N.C. Central Univ., and Duke University.
Carolina North
Average Rent
$1,363/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10.1%
TransitScore® Rating
28/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Carolina North is a lively neighborhood close to UNC-Chapel Hill, offering a mix of apartment complexes near the college's campus and single-family homes on residential streets. Renters will enjoy the walkability and access to local parks, cultural venues, and university events.
Greater Chapel Hill
Average Rent
$1,402/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
10/100
Units Available
186 Rentals
Greater Chapel Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Greater Chapel Hill is $1,402 while the city average is $1,516. This is a -0.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Durham Tech. Comm. Coll., Carrboro Plaza, and Willow Creek Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 20.
Providence Glen
Average Rent
$1,443/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chapel Hill neighborhood on a budget, check out Providence Glen. The average rent is $1,443, compared to the city average of $1,516. Providence Glen is convenient to Duke University, New Hope Commons, and Indigo Corners. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 24.
Northside
Average Rent
$1,479/Month
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Northside is a historic neighborhood offering a mix of older homes and new developments, with easy access to Downtown Chapel Hill and UNC-Chapel Hill. Renters will appreciate the walkability and proximity to local shops and restaurants.
Timberlyne
Average Rent
$1,495/Month
TransitScore® Rating
32/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
Timberlyne is an affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill with an average rent price of $1,495. Compare this to the city average of $1,516. Timberlyne provides easy access to Coker Arboretum, KidZu Children's Museum, and North Carolina Botanical Garden. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 59.
Estes
Average Rent
$1,496/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Estes is a peaceful area just north of Downtown Chapel Hill. This area offers a variety of housing options and beautiful nature views. Renters will appreciate the slower pace of life in Estes while being near attractions and events in Downtown Chapel Hill.
Gimghoul Historic District
Average Rent
$1,551/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill, Gimghoul Historic District might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,551, while the city’s average stands at $1,516. Gimghoul Historic District is near Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, Raleigh-Durham International, and West Side Plaza.
Parkside
Average Rent
$1,568/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Parkside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Parkside is $1,568 while the city average is $1,516. Residents enjoy convenient access to N.C. Central Univ., Raleigh-Durham International, and North Carolina Botanical Garden. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 45.
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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.