Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Chapel Hill, NC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chapel Hill are Forest Creek, 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 July 30, 2025, the average rent in Chapel Hill is $1,525, which is 1.9% 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.
Forest Creek
Average Rent
$1,109/Month
Units Available
15 Rentals
Forest Creek is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Forest Creek is $1,109 while the city average is $1,525. Residents enjoy convenient access to Coker Arboretum, Midtown Market, and KidZu Children's Museum.
Pickard Oaks
Average Rent
$1,274/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chapel Hill neighborhood on a budget, check out Pickard Oaks. The average rent is $1,274, compared to the city average of $1,525. Pickard Oaks is convenient to Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, N.C. Central Univ., and North Carolina Botanical Garden. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 35.
Carolina North
Average Rent
$1,316/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
28/100
Units Available
37 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
$1,405/Month
TransitScore® Rating
10/100
Units Available
218 Rentals
Greater Chapel Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill with an average rent price of $1,405. Compare this to the city average of $1,525. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0%. Greater Chapel Hill provides easy access to Carrboro Plaza, N.C. Central Univ., and Morehead Planetarium & Science Center. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 20.
Crosstown at Chapel Hill
Average Rent
$1,448/Month
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill, Crosstown at Chapel Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,448, while the city’s average stands at $1,525. Crosstown at Chapel Hill is near Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, Piedmont Wildlife Center, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Eastowne Hills
Average Rent
$1,463/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Eastowne Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Eastowne Hills is $1,463 while the city average is $1,525. Residents enjoy convenient access to Gateway Terrace, North Carolina Botanical Garden, and Durham Tech. Comm. Coll.. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 27.
Providence Glen
Average Rent
$1,504/Month
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Chapel Hill neighborhood on a budget, check out Providence Glen. The average rent is $1,504, compared to the city average of $1,525. Providence Glen is convenient to Durham Tech. Comm. Coll., Indigo Corners, and Rams Plaza. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 24.
Estes
Average Rent
$1,554/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10.6%
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
55 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.
Timberlyne
Average Rent
$1,558/Month
TransitScore® Rating
32/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Timberlyne is an affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill with an average rent price of $1,558. Compare this to the city average of $1,525. Timberlyne provides easy access to Timberlyne Shopping Center, Coker Arboretum, and UNC-Chapel Hill. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 59.
Northside
Average Rent
$1,662/Month
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
12 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.
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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.