Is a studio or 1-bedroom apartment a better value in Chicago?

In Chicago, studios average $1,611/mo versus $2,032/mo for a 1-bedroom. For solo renters on a tight budget, compare both filters on Rentler before applying. If you work from home or spend significant time in your apartment, the extra separation of a larger unit may be worth the difference.

Are studio apartments in Chicago pet-friendly?

Pet policies on studio apartments vary by landlord and building — there's no blanket rule. Use Rentler's pet-friendly filter to narrow your search, then confirm breed, weight, and deposit requirements directly with the landlord before applying.

Can I find furnished studios in Chicago, IL?

Furnished studios are available in Chicago but represent a smaller share of total inventory compared to unfurnished units. Use Rentler's furnished filter to surface move-in-ready options. Furnished units are most common in newer construction buildings and in complexes that cater to corporate or short-term renters.

How much should I earn to rent a studio in Chicago?

Most landlords in Chicago require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a studio at Chicago's current average of $1,611/mo, that means demonstrating roughly 2.5–3x that amount in gross income. If you're below that threshold, a co-signer, larger security deposit, or prepaid rent may be accepted by some landlords — always worth asking.

Studio Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL

722 Results

$2,080

Studio1 bathCondo

229 W Hubbard, Chicago, IL, 60654

$2,265

Studio1 bathCondo

359 W. Chestnut, Chicago, IL, 60661

$2,077

Studio1 bathCondo

1059 W Van Buren, Chicago, IL, 60607

$1,900

Studio1 bath550 sqftHouse

2626 N Lakeview Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614

$2,221

Studio1 bathCondo

950 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60607

$2,225

Studio1 bathCondo

160 N Desplaines, Chicago, IL, 60661

$2,011

Studio1 bathCondo

1139 W Van Buren, Chicago, IL, 60607

$1,325

Studio1 bathApartment

739 West Belmont Avenue 314, Chicago, IL, 60657

$1,295

Studio1 bathApartment

739 West Belmont Avenue 517, Chicago, IL, 60657

$1,295

Studio1 bathApartment

739 West Belmont Avenue 217, Chicago, IL, 60657

$2,050

Studio1 bathCondo

1085 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL, 60607

$1,250

Studio1 bathApartment

739 West Belmont Avenue 117, Chicago, IL, 60657

$1,350

Studio1 bathApartment

2827 North Burling Street 308, Chicago, IL, 60657

$1,295

Studio1 bathApartment

4851 North Damen Avenue 104, Chicago, IL, 60625

$1,430

Studio1 bathApartment

4851 North Damen Avenue 305, Chicago, IL, 60625

$1,195

Studio1 bathApartment

425 West Roscoe Street 101, Chicago, IL, 60657

$1,795

Studio1 bathApartment

2906 North Mildred Avenue O2, Chicago, IL, 60657

$1,795

Studio1 bathApartment

2912 N Mildred Ave AA1, Chicago, IL, 60657

$1,050

Studio1 bathApartment

826 S. Austin Blvd, Oak Park, IL, 60304

$2,271

Studio1 bathCondo

155 W Superior St, CHICAGO, IL, 60654

$2,215

Studio1 bathCondo

362 N. Union Ave, Chicago, IL, 60661

$2,099

Studio1 bathCondo

1057 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL, 60607

$2,190

Studio1 bathCondo

217 N Ada St 2105, Chicago, IL, 60607

$2,109

Studio1 bath496 sqftCondo

369 E Ontario St 409, Chicago, IL, 60611

Showing 24 of 722 results

What schools are in Chicago, IL?

The Chicago Public School System features hundreds of schools, including nearly 500 elementary and middle-grade schools and more than 150 high schools. In addition, there are also a large number of private schools.

Some of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in Chicago include:

Hawthorne Scholastic Academy
Decatur Classical School
James E. McDade Classical School
William H. Prescott Elementary School
Mount Greenwood Elementary School
Alexander Graham Bell School
Northside College Preparatory High School
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
Albert G. Lane Technical High School
John Hancock College Preparatory High School

What colleges and universities are in Chicago, IL?

Chicago, IL, is considered one of the country’s leading academic cities. As such, you’ll find a near-endless list of higher education institutions within the city’s limits, including world-class universities, colleges, and specialized arts schools.

Some of the major higher education institutions in Chicago, IL, include:

University of Chicago
Northwestern University
University of Illinois Chicago
DePaul University
Illinois Institute of Technology

Where can I find affordable apartments for rent in Chicago, IL?

Some neighborhoods in Chicago, IL, offer more affordable prices than other neighborhoods. If you’re looking for apartments that offer both affordability and a pleasant area, focus on the following neighborhoods:

Jackson Park Highlands (average rent: $1000)
Chicago Lawn (average rent: $1,200)
Englewood (average rent: $1450)
South Shore (average rent: $1450)
Woodlawn (average rent: $1400)

Looking for an apartment in Chicago? Start searching on Rentler.com today.

What to Know Before Renting a Studio in Chicago, IL

Studio apartments are a smart move for solo renters, minimalists, and anyone looking to maximize their budget in Chicago by cutting square footage they don't actually use. In most markets, a studio runs 20–35% cheaper than a comparable 1-bedroom in the same building — a meaningful difference when you're budgeting monthly. The tradeoff is that everything happens in one room, so layout matters more than it does in a larger unit. Before signing, check the kitchen size (a narrow galley kitchen in a small studio gets old fast), closet and storage space, and whether there's a dedicated sleeping area or alcove to create separation. In-unit laundry and a second-floor unit are both worth prioritizing if available in Chicago — shared laundry in a studio building means frequent trips, and ground-floor studios in urban areas can feel less secure. Studios in Chicago work best for people who spend more time out than in and treat their apartment as a home base rather than a living space.