Finding Cheap One-Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta, GA: A Local Guide

Looking for cheap one-bedroom apartments in Atlanta, GA can feel overwhelming, especially with prices changing quickly across the city. The good news: with the right neighborhoods, timing, and search strategy, it’s still possible to find a budget-friendly 1BR that works for everyday life in Atlanta.

This guide focuses specifically on Atlanta—how the city is laid out, where more affordable options tend to be, and what trade-offs to expect.

What “Cheap” Means for a One-Bedroom in Atlanta

“Cheap” is relative, but in Atlanta rental conversations, a cheap one-bedroom usually means:

• Below the average market rent for a 1BR in the city
• Often in older buildings or smaller complexes
• Possibly located farther from the Downtown–Midtown core
• Sometimes with fewer amenities (no pool, older appliances, limited parking)

If you’re flexible on location, finishes, and amenities, you’ll have more options. If you want a newer building in a hot intown neighborhood, “cheap” will be harder to find.

Best Atlanta Areas to Look for Cheaper One-Bedroom Apartments

Below is a simplified overview of where Atlantans often look first when budget is the main concern.

Quick Neighborhood Snapshot

These are general patterns, not strict rules—prices can vary block by block.

Intown vs. Suburban: Where to Save the Most

Intown Atlanta (Closer to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)

Intown living (Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown, etc.) is convenient and lively, but:

• Newer complexes here are usually among the most expensive.
• To find a cheaper one-bedroom:
  • Look for older low-rise buildings or “garden-style” apartments.
  • Consider less-hyped parts of neighborhoods (for example, farther from BeltLine trailheads).
  • Be open to smaller units or minimal amenities.

You may pay a bit more than outer suburbs, but save on commute time and gas, especially if you work Downtown, in Midtown, or near Georgia Tech.

Suburban & Perimeter Areas

If the main goal is lowest monthly rent, many renters look at:

• Doraville, Chamblee, and Norcross (northeast)
• Areas around I-285 and I-20 interchanges
• College Park, East Point, Forest Park (near/south of the airport)
• Clarkston, Stone Mountain, Lithonia (east of Atlanta)
• Sandy Springs and parts of Dunwoody (north of I-285, away from luxury towers)

Advantages:

• More likely to find cheaper one-bedrooms and move-in specials
• Often include parking in the rent
• Quieter, more residential feel

Trade-offs:

• More car dependence
• Longer commutes, especially if you work intown
• Less walkable access to nightlife and major cultural spots

MARTA-Friendly Areas for Budget Renters

If you want a cheap one-bedroom but don’t want to drive everywhere, consider areas with MARTA rail or strong bus connections.

Popular budget-conscious corridors include:

• East-West Line (Blue/Green Line)
  Areas around:

  • West Lake, Ashby, H.E. Holmes (west)
  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown, Edgewood/Candler Park, East Lake (east—though some pockets near the BeltLine are pricier)
  • Decatur / Avondale: Some older properties further from the square are more affordable.

• South Line (Red/Gold Line)
  Look at:

  • Lakewood/Fort McPherson
  • East Point
  • College Park
    These areas can offer cheaper rents with direct train access to Downtown, Midtown, and the Airport.

• North Line (Red/Gold Line)
  Closer to Buckhead and Perimeter, you may find:

  • More affordable older complexes set back from main roads
  • Better deals slightly farther from stations, if you’re okay with bus transfers or a longer walk

Types of One-Bedroom Apartments That Cost Less

Not all 1BRs are created equal. To hit a lower price point in Atlanta, you may see:

1. Older Garden-Style Complexes

These are common across South Atlanta, West Atlanta, and suburban cities:

• Two- or three-story buildings
• Surface parking lots, maybe a pool, basic laundry
• No elevators, limited gym or business center

They often rent below newer mid-rise and high-rise buildings, especially if they’re not on the BeltLine or in a trendy district.

2. Small Buildings and “Fourplexes”

Scattered throughout neighborhoods like Kirkwood, West End, East Atlanta, and Lakewood, you’ll sometimes find:

• Small, older brick buildings with only a handful of units
• Fewer amenities, but more residential feel
• Landlords may be local owners instead of large management companies

These can be more affordable and sometimes more flexible on lease terms.

3. Basement or Carriage Units (Accessory Apartments)

In some intown neighborhoods (Grant Park, East Atlanta, parts of Southwest Atlanta):

• Homeowners may rent basement apartments or garage/carriage houses
• Often smaller but can be cheaper than a full-size apartment
• Utilities may be partially included, depending on the arrangement

These are sometimes advertised locally or on general rental platforms. Always make sure the lease is clear and written.

How to Actually Find Cheap One-Bedroom Apartments in Atlanta

1. Use Filters Strategically on Major Rental Sites

When searching for cheap one-bedroom apartments in Atlanta, GA:

• Set a maximum price filter based on your true budget.
• Sort by “Price: Low to High”.
• Expand the search area to include:
  • “Decatur” (city and unincorporated)
  • “East Point,” “College Park,” “Doraville,” “Chamblee,” “Forest Park”
  • Zip codes on the edges of the city, not just “Atlanta” proper.

✅ Tip: Many listings in nearby cities are still realistically part of the Atlanta metro commute zone and might be cheaper than a unit with an “Atlanta, GA” mailing address.

2. Adjust Move-In Date and Lease Length

• Some properties offer discounts for immediate move-ins.
• Others may discount for longer leases (13–15 months).
• Ask if there are move-in specials such as a free month or reduced deposit.

Even if the base rent isn’t the lowest, incentives can make a place affordable in the first year.

3. Look Slightly Beyond the “Hot” Spots

Instead of searching right on:

• The Eastside BeltLine trail
• Ponce City Market, West Midtown, or central Buckhead Village

Try expanding just a bit farther:

• East of East Atlanta Village
• South or west of West End (while checking safety and transit)
• North of Chamblee and Doraville, or more interior to neighborhoods, off the main corridors

Rents can drop noticeably even a few blocks away from high-demand clusters.

Budgeting for a One-Bedroom in Atlanta

When evaluating a “cheap” one-bedroom, consider full monthly costs, not just advertised rent.

Common Monthly Costs

• Base rent
• Utilities (electric, water/sewer, gas if applicable)
• Trash / pest / admin fees added by the complex
• Parking (sometimes included, sometimes extra, especially intown)
• Internet and possibly renter’s insurance (often required)

Many Atlantans aim to keep housing at or below 30–35% of their monthly income, but you’ll need to adjust based on your own situation, debts, and transportation costs.

Balancing Commute, Safety, and Price

Lower rent is helpful, but Atlanta’s size and traffic mean that moving far out to save money can add:

• Longer daily commutes
• Higher gas and car maintenance costs
• Less time for family, social life, or rest

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Where is my job or school?
   • If it’s in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, prioritize access to I-75/85, I-20, or MARTA.
2. Do I need late-night or early-morning transit options?
   • If you work late or overnight, check whether buses and trains run at the times you need.
3. What matters most: price, space, or location?
   • You might trade square footage for a safer-feeling block or closer commute.

🔎 Tip: Visit the area at different times (evening, weekends, rush hour) to see noise, traffic, and general activity before you sign a lease.

Where to Get Local Housing Help in Atlanta

If you’re struggling to find anything in your price range, there are local agencies and resources that focus on housing information and, in some cases, assistance.

City of Atlanta – Housing Resources

Atlanta Department of City Planning / Housing Services

• Main government line: (404) 330-6000
• Can direct you to city housing programs, zoning information, and relevant departments.

Atlanta Housing (Public Housing & Vouchers)

Atlanta Housing

• Address: 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Phone: (404) 892-4700
• Manages public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs within the city. Waiting lists and eligibility rules apply.

United Way of Greater Atlanta / 2-1-1

• Dial 2-1-1 from within the metro area
• Connects you with information about:
  • Housing support organizations
  • Emergency rental assistance programs (when available)
  • Shelters or transitional housing if needed

Fulton County & DeKalb County Housing Offices

If you’re renting in those counties (many Atlanta addresses fall in one of them), their housing agencies can provide information on:

• Local housing assistance programs
• Landlord–tenant questions and referrals

You can reach their main county information lines and ask to be directed to housing or community development:

• Fulton County Customer Service: (404) 612-4000
• DeKalb County Public Information: (404) 371-2000

How to Spot a Reasonable Deal vs. a Red Flag

When you come across a seemingly cheap one-bedroom in Atlanta, pause and check:

Signs of a Reasonable Deal

• Rent is lower than average but not unbelievably low for the area.
• The listing includes clear photos, an exact address or cross streets, and a real management or owner contact.
• Application process includes:
  • Written lease
  • Screening steps (ID, income verification, etc.)
  • Clear breakdown of all fees

Possible Red Flags

• Rent that is far below typical prices in a well-known high-demand area.
• The “landlord” refuses to meet in person or show the unit before payment.
• Requests for cash, wire transfers, or gift cards before signing a lease.
• No written lease, or extreme pressure to sign immediately.

In Atlanta, rental scams do occur, especially online. If a listing looks suspiciously good, take time to verify the property and management company before sharing documents or money.

Practical Checklist for Renting a Cheap One-Bedroom in Atlanta

Use this as a quick reference while you search:

1. Define your max all-in monthly budget (rent + utilities + parking + internet).
2. Choose your must-haves (MARTA access, in-unit laundry, parking, pet-friendly, etc.).
3. Open your search area to include nearby cities and not just “Atlanta, GA.”
4. Filter by price and sort low to high, then cross-check the neighborhood and commute.
5. Visit in person if possible, at different times of day.
6. Ask about move-in specials and all monthly/one-time fees.
7. Read the lease carefully, including:
   • Lease term and renewal rules
   • Late fee policies
   • Utility billing method (flat fee vs. sub-metered vs. included)
8. Confirm safety and convenience:
   • Lighting and condition of parking lots and entryways
   • Laundry access
   • Travel time to work, school, or frequent destinations

Finding a cheap one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, GA usually requires some flexibility and legwork, but by widening your search area, considering older or less-amenitized properties, and paying attention to total costs, you can land a place that fits both your budget and your day-to-day life in the city.