The cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago are Chatham ($1,185), Chicago Lawn ($1,295), and Avalon Park ($1,300), according to Zumper’s rental data. With a citywide median rent of $2,064, renters who move into one of these areas can save $500–$800 a month, depending on where they currently live and the type of home they’re looking for.
If you’re a renter seeking the most affordable areas in Chicago, this guide offers a clear, data-driven look at the city’s top budget-friendly neighborhoods. You’ll learn:
- Exactly how much renters save in each neighborhood
- What the lifestyle feels like
- How walkable or transit-accessible each area is
- Which neighborhood tends to work well for each?
Below, we’ll walk through Chicago’s current rental landscape, the 10 cheapest neighborhoods, and practical tips to help you find an affordable home that still fits your daily needs.
Chicago rental market overview
Zumper’s data shows Chicago’s citywide median rent is $2,064 across all bedroom types. For many renters, that price point means paying more than 30% of their income toward their rent—a common threshold for determining housing affordability. That’s one reason more people are expanding their search beyond the city’s most in-demand North Side and downtown neighborhoods.
The cheapest neighborhoods, which sit primarily on Chicago’s South and Southwest Sides, have median rents 30%–41% below the citywide median. That difference can mean real monthly savings for renters who might otherwise become cost-burdened. Moving a few miles can reduce your housing costs significantly without leaving the city limits.
These neighborhoods also offer strong community ties, access to transit, and walkable commercial corridors—all qualities that help renters balance affordability with quality of life.
The 10 cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago
Below is a closer look at each budget-friendly neighborhood, ranked by median rent and shown with walk, transit, drive, and bike scores looking at past Zumper data and Local Logic scores.
1. Chatham: $1,185 (41% below city median)
- Walk Score: 8/10
- Transit Score: 8/10
- Drive Score: 8/10
- Bike Score: 6/10
Chatham tops the list as the most affordable neighborhood in Chicago, with a median rent of $1,185, 41% below the citywide median. That gap amounts to roughly $815 per month in savings, making Chatham appealing to renters who want lower housing costs while remaining in a well-connected area.
A historically Black middle-class neighborhood, Chatham is known for tree-lined blocks, bungalows, and a strong network of local businesses. It’s walkable and convenient, giving residents easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and barbershops.
Transit access is strong thanks to the Red Line and Metra Electric District, which shorten commutes to downtown and Hyde Park. Combined with its affordability, Chatham offers one of the best cost-to-lifestyle balances in the city.
2. Chicago Lawn: $1,295 (35% below median)
- Walk Score: 8/10
- Transit Score: 6/10
- Drive Score: 6/10
- Bike Score: 6/10
Chicago Lawn’s median rent of $1,295 places it firmly among the city’s most budget-friendly neighborhoods. With a walk score of 8/10, many errands can be done on foot, and the area’s commercial corridors include grocery stores, bakeries, taquerias, and locally owned shops.
Its centerpiece, Marquette Park, is one of the Southwest Side’s largest green spaces, featuring a lagoon, athletic fields, and winding paths that draw both residents and visitors.
Zumper’s research shows that 27% of Chicago Lawn renters commute to work in under 30 minutes, supported by multiple CTA bus routes along 63rd, 69th, and Western Avenue. With a mix of affordable prices, outdoor space, and accessibility, Chicago Lawn is a good choice for renters who want access to the Southwest Side, but at a great value.
3. Avalon Park: $1,300 (35% below median)
- Walk Score: 7/10
- Transit Score: 7/10
- Drive Score: 8/10
- Bike Score: 6/10
With a median rent of $1,300, Avalon Park ties with several other neighborhoods on this list for cost but stands out for its peaceful, residential atmosphere. The community features parks, pools, athletic fields, and well-kept residential blocks.
Avalon Park is a good area for car-owners, with a drive score of 8/10, but it still offers decent walk and transit scores, giving renters flexibility depending on where they’re headed. The area’s drive score benefits, with better connections to highways, and just over a quarter (26%) of renters here reach work in under 30 minutes, showing that living in a quieter neighborhood can sometimes come at the cost of greater distance to downtown, but not necessarily in Avalon Park.
4. Austin: $1,300 (35% below median)
- Walk Score: 8/10
- Transit Score: 7/10
- Drive Score: 7/10
- Bike Score: 6/10
Austin is one of Chicago’s largest and most diverse community areas, with a broad range of housing types and street styles. Its median rent of $1,300 is 35% below the citywide average.
This neighborhood has a walk score of 8/10, so by living here, you could comfortably accomplish daily errands on foot. Transit access is also pretty good in Austin, thanks to nearby Green and Blue Lines, multiple bus lines, and proximity to I-290, offering direct routes to the Loop and surrounding suburbs.
33% of Austin renters commute in under 30 minutes, making it one of the more accessible and affordable neighborhoods for those working downtown or west of the city.
5. South Chicago: $1,300 (35% below median)
- Walk Score: 7/10
- Transit Score: 7/10
- Drive Score: 8/10
- Bike Score: 7/10
South Chicago offers the same median rent as Austin and Avalon Park, but with the added appeal of a closer proximity to Lake Michigan. Renters drawn to lakeside living without downtown pricing should consider taking a look here.
The neighborhood’s walk, transit, and bike scores are all 7/10, while the drive score is 8/10, reflecting convenient access to the Metra Electric, multiple CTA bus routes, and major roads such as South Chicago Avenue.
Many residents take advantage of nearby beach paths, parks, and the area’s tight-knit commercial corridors.
6. South Shore: $1,350 (32.5% below median)
- Walk Score: 8/10
- Transit Score: 8/10
- Drive Score: 7/10
- Bike Score: 7/10
South Shore is a neighborhood that offers renters a great combination of affordability and lakefront living. With a median rent of $1,350, renters save about 32.5% compared to the Chicago median and gain access to cultural and recreational amenities like the South Shore Cultural Center, nearby beaches, and a lakeside golf course.
Transit access is strong thanks to Metra Electric and frequent CTA buses, which contribute to the neighborhood’s 8/10 transit score. About 29% of renters here enjoy commute times under 30 minutes.
Walkability is another major draw: South Shore’s 8/10 walk score reflects pedestrian-friendly blocks, especially near the commercial areas and waterfront.
7. Gage Park: $1,355 (32.25% below median)
- Walk Score: 8/10
- Transit Score: 7/10
- Drive Score: 6/10
- Bike Score: 7/10
Gage Park, on the Southwest Side, is known for its family-friendly vibe, single-family homes, and long-standing businesses.
With a median rent of $1,355, renters save just over 32% compared to the citywide median. The neighborhood offers a walk score of 8/10, making it easy to run errands or visit local shops.
Bus routes connect renters to the Orange Line, which helps reduce commute times. Roughly 29% of Gage Park residents commute in under 30 minutes, according to Zumper’s dataset.
8. Grand Crossing: $1,375 (31.3% below median)
- Walk Score: 8/10
- Transit Score: 8/10
- Drive Score: 8/10
- Bike Score: 6/10
Greater Grand Crossing offers lower housing costs than many parts of Chicago and good transportation access. Its median rent of $1,375 sits 31.3% below the Chicago average.
The neighborhood’s commercial streets connect to nearby Chatham, and residents have direct access to the Metra Electric and Red Line and to multiple bus routes. With walk and transit scores of 8/10, Grand Crossing is a practical choice for renters without a car or those who want to reduce driving.
The area’s affordability and transportation options make it a strategic pick for renters who want value without sacrificing connectivity to other parts of the city.
9. Belmont Cragin: $1,400 (30% below median)
- Walk Score: 10/10
- Transit Score: 7/10
- Drive Score: 5/10
- Bike Score: 7/10
Belmont Cragin, with a 10/10 walk score, is an area dense with shopping and restaurants, as well as a large Latino population on the Northwest Side.
With a median rent of $1,400, Belmont Cragin offers affordability with urban convenience. Transit connections rely mainly on buses along Cicero, Diversey, and Belmont Avenue, which link to the Blue Line.
Because the neighborhood is so walkable, many residents navigate daily life without needing a car.
10. Auburn Gresham: $1,400 (30% below median)
- Walk Score: 8/10
- Transit Score: 7/10
- Drive Score: 7/10
- Bike Score: 6/10
Auburn Gresham has the same median rent as Belmont Cragin and offers renters a classic South Side Chicago experience. Its stable, residential streets and strong community networks appeal to those seeking affordability without sacrificing space or local character.
Zumper’s data shows Auburn Gresham has a walk score of 8/10, meaning renters can reach many daily necessities on foot. Transit access is convenient, and the area’s affordability puts it on the radar for renters comparing South Side options.
How we determined Chicago’s cheapest neighborhoods
Zumper calculated the cheapest neighborhoods based on median rents below the Chicago citywide median of $2,064, using listings from Zumper of all bedroom types.
Because some neighborhoods share identical median rents, such as Avalon Park, Austin, and South Chicago, they tie in these rankings. The same applies to Belmont Cragin and Auburn Gresham.
To create this list, Zumper analyzed:
- Median rent by neighborhood
- Month-over-month and year-over-year rent changes
- Walk, transit, bike, and drive scores.
- Top amenities
- Commute time trends
For the most up-to-date numbers, visit Zumper’s Chicago rent report.
Tips for finding affordable rentals in Chicago
Finding a lower-priced neighborhood doesn’t just reduce rent; it can change your transportation costs, lifestyle, and budget flexibility. Here’s how to navigate the search:
1. Consider shifting just a few miles
Moving to neighborhoods like Chatham, South Chicago, or Belmont Cragin may save you $600-$800 per month (depending on what you currently pay) when compared to Chicago’s overall median rent.
2. Pay attention to transit access if you don’t own a car
Austin, South Shore, Grand Crossing, and Belmont Cragin all have transit scores of 7-8/10, with access to rail or frequent bus routes.
3. Check walkability for day-to-day convenience
Most affordable neighborhoods on this list have walk scores between 7 and 10, making it easier to run daily errands without relying on a car.
4. Follow the 30% income rule
Housing experts often suggest spending no more than 30% of your income on rent. Zumper’s rent calculator can help you estimate your ideal housing budget.
5. Use map tools to compare neighborhoods
Zumper’s map view lets you compare prices across Chicago so you can quickly spot the city’s current affordability pockets.
Finding your fit in Chicago’s cheapest neighborhoods
Chicago offers a wide variety of neighborhoods for renters who want to save money while staying close to the city’s amenities, culture, and job centers. The cheapest areas, such as Chatham, Chicago Lawn, and Avalon Park, offer meaningful monthly savings, solid transit connections, and access to parks, grocery stores, and local businesses.
By focusing on your commute needs, walkability preferences, and long-term budget, you can find a neighborhood that matches both your lifestyle and your financial goals. Explore Chicago apartments on Zumper, set alerts, and track rent trends to stay up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the most affordable area in Chicago?
Zumper’s October rental data shows that Chatham is the lowest-priced neighborhood in Chicago, with a median rent of $1,185, which is 41% below the citywide median of $2,064. Renters save roughly $815 per month, or nearly $9,800 per year.
Is Chicago an expensive place to rent?
Chicago can be expensive for many renters, with a median rent of $2,064 and an annual rent increase of about 6%. However, it remains more affordable than coastal cities such as New York and San Francisco.
Which areas are best for renters who rely on transit?
Austin, South Shore, Grand Crossing, and Belmont Cragin all have transit scores of 7–8/10, giving renters solid access to rail or bus routes without needing a car.
How much of my income should go toward rent in Chicago?
Housing experts typically recommend keeping rent near 30% of your gross income. Zumper’s rent calculator helps you visualize what that looks like based on your earnings and target neighborhood.
Do Chicago’s affordable neighborhoods offer good walkability?
Yes. Many budget-friendly neighborhoods, including Chatham, Chicago Lawn, South Shore, Gage Park, and Auburn Gresham, have walk scores around 8/10. Belmont Cragin stands out with a 10/10 walk score.
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