Have you ever wondered how far your money would go in another city? The cost of living can fluctuate widely from place to place, so to get a sense of the varying value of a dollar when it comes to apartments, we scoured rental markets across the United States to see what was available for around $1,000 a month. As anticipated, the results are mixed, with that thousand bucks renting anything from 100-square-foot microstudios to two-bedroom apartments overlooking a pool, depending on the market. Here’s our list of the cream of the thousand-dollar crop in a handful of U.S. cities, so you can see how yours stacks up.
Casual and convenient: $920/month, Oak Ridge Apartments in Aurora, CO
Less than 30 minutes from downtown Denver, CO, Oak Ridge Apartments offer affordability and plenty of space in a peaceful setting. Recently renovated units feature large walk-in closets, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios and balconies. The property boasts two pools, a basketball court, and a parklike setting for soaking up all that Colorado beauty, right outside the city.
Urban escape: $917/month, Cedars 94 in Minneapolis, MN
When you want to escape the hubbub of downtown Minneapolis, MN — and save money — conveniently located Cedars 94 is a great bet. Bright and spacious one-bedroom apartments have access to the property’s indoor pool and sauna, state-of-the-art fitness center, private courtyard, and community room with a private party terrace.
Mile-high mountain views: $889/month, Woodstream Village in Denver, CO
One-bedroom apartments at less than $1,000 a month have become rare in Denver, but Woodstream Village comes through — and they aren’t too shabby. Apartments have mountain views, large walk-in closets, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts, and a business center, all conveniently located between hip Denver neighborhoods.
Luxe LA living at The Lennox: $957/month, The Lennox in Los Angeles, CA
Studios at The Lennox in Koreatown come in for a steal at less than $1,000 a month. The LA neighborhood is rich with the best Asian markets, family-owned barbecue spots, and some of the city’s best nightlife. The Spanish-style apartments are freshly renovated, with dark-trimmed walls and balconies to take in the City of Angels down below. There’s also an indoor pool and fitness center on-site.
Get a new apartment, stat!: $950/month, Vibe Medical District Apartments in Dallas, TX
Sometimes the best things come in small packages, like the nicely appointed studio apartments at Vibe Medical District Apartments. Near Dallas’ Love Field airport, these units offer lots of amenities for less than $1,000 a month, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood-style flooring, and a newly upgraded business center and fitness center, as well as a swimming pool and clubhouse lounge. Plus, you’re right on the DART public transit, so commuting — if you must leave — becomes a breeze.
Petite capitol charm: $975/month, 200 10th Ave. E in Seattle, WA
A microstudio is the way to go to live in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood for less than $1,000 a month. The bright and cheerful units at Ramiro’s Place on 10th Avenue East come furnished, and utilities are included. The building itself is a green building with on-site laundry and shared full kitchens — smaller, partial kitchens come with each unit — and small pets are welcome.
Lake love: $997/month, Lake Meadows in Chicago, IL
Relish a sprawling, green oasis while enjoying the urban life. Lake Meadows stretches across 100 acres along Chicago’s South Shore, conveniently located just a few minutes from downtown and close to the area’s best colleges and universities. There are parks, dog parks, tennis courts, and balconies to appreciate the great outdoors — not to mention large windows. And if you need to get around but don’t want the hassle and expense of having a car in the city, the complex is home to a Zipcar hub.
Destination desert: $980/month, Mountain Gate Apartments in Las Vegas, NV
Just far enough from the buzz of the Strip in southwest Las Vegas, NV, the Mountain Gate community offers up desert luxury for an easy, breezy price. One-bedrooms feature upgraded kitchens, crown molding, and private balconies, and the building is home to a round-the-clock fitness center, as well as a clubhouse and a tricked-out “entertainment plaza” with a pool, spa, free Wi-Fi, and private cabanas.
Resort-style luxury: $974/month, Mountainside Apartments in Phoenix, AZ
Affordability never looked so luxurious. The crisp, richly appointed units at Mountainside Apartments, located in the Ahwatukee Foothills, give off a seriously high-end vibe, with quartz countertops and new appliance packages, while the complex itself feels like a resort, with two pools, a hydrotherapy spa, and a new fitness center (open 24 hours a day!).
Painting the town red: $1,005/month, Hue in Raleigh, NC
Live in the heart of downtown Raleigh’s vibrant Warehouse District. One-bedroom apartments at the Hue feature stone countertops and wood floors, high ceilings, and new appliances in the kitchen. There are oodles of restaurants and cultural hot spots nearby, but you may never need to leave: The complex has a state-of-the-art gym and an intimate courtyard with a pool and stainless steel grills.
Crank it up in Music City: $1,047/month, Willow Grove Apartments in Nashville, TN
For just over $1,000 a month, score a two-bedroom apartment at Willow Grove, where you’ll be within a stone’s throw of some of the best Nashville, TN, attractions, including the Nashville Sounds Baseball Stadium, the Nashville Zoo, Midtown Nashville, Third Man Records, and plenty of shopping. Apartments are all pet-friendly and feature washer and dryer connections, ceiling fans, and large closets.
“Island” oasis: $1,095/month, Bermuda Terrace in Las Vegas, NV
With a peaceful, resortlike ambiance, Bermuda Terrace lives up to its tropical name. Two-bedroom apartments offer ample space with large floor plans and vaulted ceilings, and numerous windows let in lots of light. Residents can enjoy a resort-style pool with grills and cabanas, as well as a spa, tanning bed, and a newly renovated fitness center.
Living the Highland life: $1,008/month, Highland Ridge Apartment Homes in Atlanta, GA
Located in a quiet, richly landscaped neighborhood close to the major highways and just a few minutes from downtown, Highland Ridge is an affordable option with one bedrooms (with a fireplace!) renting for just about $1,000 a month. The building is pet-friendly and features a pool and stocked workout room.
