Affordability is relative when it comes to apartments for rent. In San Francisco, anything under $4,500 per month can be considered a deal, a figure that might shock a renter in Cleveland, where $850 is the median rate. No matter what the norm is for your area, one thing is true in most places across the country: Rent continues to climb.
But great deals do still exist—and we know where to find them. From a waterfront one-bedroom in Columbia, South Carolina to an eco-friendly studio in Dallas, we’ve rounded up apartments available now for less than $750 a month.
Phoenix, Arizona
Pet-friendly apartment in a commuter-friendly location
$680/month
This apartment complex may be on the outskirts of Phoenix in the Deer Valley Village neighborhood, but it doesn’t feel remote. It’s close to two major highways: I-17 (which takes you to downtown in about 20 minutes) and the 101 freeway (which takes you to Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa). Though you won’t find trendy restaurants in this quiet section of town, you will be minutes away from Target and Costco—so you can run your weekend errands in record time, a big plus when temperatures climb.
Speaking of sun, if you associate Phoenix with deserts instead of gardens, you’re in for a surprise. The Crossroads rental community, where you’ll find this one-bedroom, is full of tall trees, blooming bushes, and palms. Plus, your monthly rent gets you a genuine one-bedroom apartment with enough space to have an actual dining room—and up to two pets.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Sunny one-bedroom near the river
$717/month
Salt Lake City is a great place for those who love skiing, biking, hiking, trail running, and pretty much everything else outdoorsy. But, you don’t have to head to the mountains for outdoor fun if you’re in the right neighborhood. The appropriately-named Riverbend apartment community is a great example. It’s close to the Jordan River (and the Jordan River Parkway Trail for biking and hiking), along with General Holm Park, Valley Center Park, and Meadow Brook Golf Course. Plus, you can easily get to your choice of mountains by hopping on the West Meadowbrook Expressway to I-215.
After a day trekking in the great outdoors, you’ll appreciate this decidedly civilized one-bedroom apartment. The compact space has a modern feel with a gray and white color palette and dark-stained hardwood floors.
Columbia, South Carolina
Spacious flat in a lakefront community
$718/month
South Carolina’s capital may be smaller than others, but it is big on Southern charm. Here, you’ll find historic homes galore, gorgeous gardens, and scenic bodies of water. While it’s tough to find an affordable apartment near the downtown, it’s easy to drive around Columbia, especially since cars are a big there, anyway (97 percent of residents commute by car).
The location of the Paddock Club Columbia community, where you’ll find this one-bedroom apartment, makes it easy to get anywhere in the city. Here, you’ll find picturesque grounds that include a serene lake view. After a commute home, there are few things more relaxing than enjoying a glass of wine on the patio of your one-bedroom apartment—except, perhaps, kicking back in a lakefront gazebo, or lounging by the pool.
Dallas, Texas
Eco-friendly studio near all the shopping
$683/month
Dallas has big appeal thanks to plenty of jobs and a relatively low cost of living. For the biggest bang for your rental buck, go north of downtown to the Vickery Meadow neighborhood. Here, you’ll get an affordable studio in the Cityscape Apartments, a community that’s near all the action. It’s right up the street from the Shops at Park Lane, a mall where you’ll also find upscale bars, a few restaurants, and a fancy bowling alley called Bowl & Barrel.
Not only will you save on rent compared to trendier neighborhoods like Oak Lawn, you’ll have extra money in the budget for nights out. That’s because the apartments were designed to be as eco-friendly as possible (think: low-flow toilets and showers, low-energy windows, and efficient ceiling fans), which translates into lower energy bills overall. Plus, your studio has high-end finishes like granite countertops and travertine flooring, and the community has a pool with a 12-foot waterfall, cabanas, and an outdoor lounge.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Open one-bedroom with mountain views
$706/month
High-rollers may flock to Las Vegas for the weekend, but living here full-time doesn’t actually break the bank. Located right on the border of North Las Vegas and Las Vegas proper (but five miles east of the Strip), the area is an affordable place to live. Instead of glittering high-rises, you’ll find down-to-earth homes and apartment complexes along with all the comforts of the ‘burbs (Target, Walmart, In-And-Out-Burger).
This comfy one-bedroom may be affordable, but it isn’t no-frills. It’s in the Spanish-style Emerald Springs Rentals community, which has a resort-like feel inspired by the desert surroundings. The main pool is surrounded by palms and has a rock feature in the middle of it that looks like the nearby mountains.
Birmingham, Alabama
Furnished one-bedroom in a suburban setting
$682/month
If you’re looking to relocate to the historic city of Birmingham, you’re in good company. The low cost of living, growing arts scene, and plentiful stock of historic houses has attracted new residents from far and wide. There are lots of rentals, but newcomers might appreciate the convenience of a furnished apartment—like this one-bedroom apartment at ARIUM Inverness.
Located about 10 miles from the city center, ARIUM Inverness is its own little patch of the ‘burbs. Though you will find a Target and a Walmart nearby, this community is set back from the highway and was built around Lake Dixie. This gives it a quieter atmosphere, which is a plus for those looking to relocate from busier cities. Like 99 percent of Birmingham residents, though, you’ll want a car for your commute. Though you’re right around the corner from casual restaurants that range from BBQ to Middle Eastern fare, this is a city where driving is typically the easiest route.
Kansas City, Missouri
Modern one-bedroom in a high-rise with a view
$700/month
Kansas City is enjoying a renaissance largely made possible by its relative affordability. Here, you’ll find unique boutiques, breweries, and busy music venues—but also lots of big-name corporations that make finding a job a little easier. The epicenter of it all? The Power and Light district of Downtown. While that area does have everything from an Alamo Drafthouse to the Sprint Center, rentals can be in short supply. Instead, head northwest to the nearby Quality Hill neighborhood, where you’ll find 910 Penn Apartments.
Though this high-rise is within walking distance of Power and Light, you won’t have to go far for a night out. The community is three blocks from Majestic (an old-school-inspired steakhouse that also hosts jazz nights) and Quaff Bar & Grill (a low-key pub with pool tables). Or, you can spend a comfy night in watching Netflix in your updated one-bedroom.
Originally published December 14, 2017; updated May 16, 2018.
