Welcome to Chicago, Illinois, the Windy City! Known for its stunning skyline, amazing architecture, and world-renowned deep-dish pizza, Chicago is a city woven from history—founded in the early 19th century along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, it quickly grew into a vital hub for trade, industry, and culture.
While an apartment in the heart of the city can be expensive, affordable options do exist in the Greater Chicagoland area. Yes, it is possible to live your best life in Chi-town on a budget. To get the ball rolling, check out our list below of five budget-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago.
Jackson Park Highlands
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago: $1,953/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Jackson Park Highlands: $1,018/month
- Median Home List Price in Jackson Park Highlands: $500,249
Nestled within the larger South Shore community, Jackson Park Highlands is a designated historic district known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and stately homes from the early 20th century. Developed in 1905 as an exclusive residential enclave, it retains its beautiful architecture and a close-knit community feel.
Things to do in Jackson Park Highlands
Explore the sprawling 500-acre Jackson Park, designed by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted. The park contains the serene Japanese Garden and is the future home of the Obama Presidential Center. For active individuals, the Lakefront Trail provides scenic paths for biking and walking along Lake Michigan’s shores. A simple, self-guided stroll through the neighborhood is an activity in itself, offering a chance to admire the stunning Prairie-style and Tudor Revival houses that define the area's architectural beauty.
Chicago Lawn
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago: $1,953/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago Lawn: $1,262/month
- Median Home List Price in Chicago Lawn: $269,500
Once an open prairie, Chicago Lawn transformed into a bustling residential neighborhood in the 1920s, characterized by its classic brick bungalows and welcoming green spaces. It has long served as a destination for those seeking both space and value. This history of providing a solid foundation continues today, as it remains known for its bargain rents and sturdy, well-built homes.
Things to do in Chicago Lawn
The neighborhood's centerpiece is Marquette Park, a vast public space that provides a lagoon, a golf course, and numerous playgrounds for community enjoyment. The commercial corridors, especially along 63rd Street, invite you to sample local eateries, from classic Chicago pizzerias to authentic Mexican restaurants like Tacos Villa, which a local claimed serves the best quesadillas in all of Chicago.
Once an open prairie, Chicago Lawn transformed into a bustling residential neighborhood in the 1920s, characterized by its classic brick bungalows and welcoming green spaces. It has long served as a destination for those seeking both space and value. This history of providing a solid foundation continues today, as it remains known for its bargain rents and sturdy, well-built homes.
Englewood
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago: $1,953/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Englewood: $1,470/month
- Median Home List Price in Englewood: $283,000
Established in the late 1800s, Englewood experienced rapid growth fueled by Chicago's expanding rail lines. While the neighborhood has faced economic challenges over the years, it is currently a focus of inspiring community-led renewal, with a strong emphasis on farming and local reinvestment.
Things to do in Englewood
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Hamilton Park, a historic green space perfect for picnics, walks, or community events. Art lovers will appreciate visiting the Englewood Arts Collective or the new Art Center of Englewood, both showcasing local talent through exhibits and workshops. If you’re a jazzhead, you can’t miss the annual Englewood Jazz Festival in Hamilton Park. The five-day event is free and features local artists and composers.
South Shore
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago: $1,953/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago: $1,953/month
- Median List Price in South Shore: $156,950
South Shore was once a luxurious destination filled with grand mansions and home to the famed South Shore Country Club. Over time, it evolved, gaining a reputation for its packed jazz clubs and incredible access to the lakefront. Today, it offers spectacular lakefront views without the high price tag associated with other lakeside neighborhoods.
Things to do in South Shore
The neighborhood’s past glory is still accessible at the magnificent South Shore Cultural Center, the former country club, which now hosts art galleries, live performances, and a public golf course. Spend the day at Rainbow Beach to swim, picnic, or simply relax while taking in stunning skyline views. For a scenic commute or a leisurely trip, the historic South Shore Line commuter rail provides a picturesque train ride along the coast.
Woodlawn
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago: $1,953/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Woodlawn: $1,374/month
- Median List Price in Woodlawn: $297,000
Woodlawn earned the nickname the "Gateway to the Future" during Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Today, the neighborhood is experiencing a renaissance, blending its historic architecture with bold new investment, partly driven by its proximity to the University of Chicago.
Things to do in Woodlawn
Connect with the neighborhood's grand history by visiting the Midway Plaisance, a mile-long stretch of green space that was a centerpiece of the World's Fair. Enjoy the talent of local artists at the Green Line Performing Arts Center or stroll along Cottage Grove Avenue to view colorful murals and public art installations that line the street.
Make the Most of Your Move with Apartments.com
Whether you're planning a short-term stay or looking to settle down, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find an affordable apartment in Chicago. Using our customized search filters, navigate housing choices across various neighborhoods. Once you find the perfect location, narrow the search to a price range that works for you.
*Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s October 2025 reports.
