Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Charlottesville, VA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Charlottesville are Montvue, Barracks West Condominiums, and Ivy Garden. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Charlottesville, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 2, 2025, the average rent in Charlottesville is $1,680, which is 1.2% 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.

Montvue

Average Rent

$1,348/Month

Units Available

10 Rentals

Montvue is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Montvue is $1,348 while the city average is $1,680. Residents enjoy convenient access to Piedmont Virginia CC, James Madison University, and Leander McCormick Observatory.

Barracks West Condominiums

Average Rent

$1,348/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Charlottesville neighborhood on a budget, check out Barracks West Condominiums. The average rent is $1,348, compared to the city average of $1,680. Barracks West Condominiums is convenient to Rivanna Conservation Society, James Madison University, and University of Virginia. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 20.

Ivy Garden

Average Rent

$1,414/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

Ivy Garden is an affordable neighborhood in Charlottesville with an average rent price of $1,414. Compare this to the city average of $1,680. Ivy Garden provides easy access to Ivy Creek Natural Area, Ragged Mountain Natural Area, and Barracks Road Shopping Center. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 62.

Hessian Hills

Average Rent

$1,430/Month

Units Available

14 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Charlottesville, Hessian Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,430, while the city’s average stands at $1,680. Hessian Hills is near Ivy Creek Natural Area, Charlottesville-Albemarle, and The Shops at Stonefield.

Downtown Charlottesville

Average Rent

$1,668/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

Downtown Charlottesville is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Charlottesville is $1,668 while the city average is $1,680. This is a 2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Leander McCormick Observatory, Rivanna Conservation Society, and Charlottesville-Albemarle. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.

West Charlottesville

Average Rent

$1,677/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.6%

TransitScore® Rating

17/100

Units Available

44 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Charlottesville neighborhood on a budget, check out West Charlottesville. The average rent is $1,677, compared to the city average of $1,680. Rent prices have increased by 6.6%. West Charlottesville is convenient to Rivanna Conservation Society, Meadowbrook Shopping Center, and Charlottesville-Albemarle. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.

Jefferson Park Avenue

Average Rent

$1,717/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

34/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

Jefferson Park Avenue is an affordable neighborhood in Charlottesville with an average rent price of $1,717. Compare this to the city average of $1,680. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Jefferson Park Avenue provides easy access to Vinegar Hill Shopping Center, Virginia Discovery Museum, and Charlottesville-Albemarle. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 68.

South Charlottesville

Average Rent

$1,807/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

TransitScore® Rating

29/100

Units Available

115 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Charlottesville, South Charlottesville might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,807, while the city’s average stands at $1,680. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.5%. South Charlottesville is near Willoughby Shopping Center, Virginia Discovery Museum, and Rivanna Conservation Society.

Fontana

Average Rent

$1,844/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

Fontana is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fontana is $1,844 while the city average is $1,680. Residents enjoy convenient access to University of Virginia, Leander McCormick Observatory, and Ash Lawn-Highland. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 27.

Martha Jefferson

Average Rent

$1,860/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.1%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Charlottesville neighborhood on a budget, check out Martha Jefferson. The average rent is $1,860, compared to the city average of $1,680. Rent prices have increased by 4.1%. Martha Jefferson is convenient to Pantops Shopping Center, Monticello, and University of Virginia. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 83.

Ready to make your move to Charlottesville? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.