Finding Inexpensive Apartments in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Renting on a Budget

Atlanta’s rent has gone up in recent years, but inexpensive apartments in Atlanta still exist if you know where and how to look. Whether you’re moving to the city, downsizing, or just trying to lower your rent, this guide walks through neighborhoods, strategies, and local resources that can help you find a more affordable place.

What “Inexpensive” Means in Atlanta Right Now

“Inexpensive” is different for every renter, but in Atlanta it usually means:

• Below the typical rent for your preferred area
• Reasonable for your income (many experts suggest rent ≈ 30% or less of monthly income)
• Basic but livable: safe, structurally sound, and functional, even if not luxury

You’ll usually save the most money by being flexible on location, amenities, and building age. Brand-new high-rise buildings in Midtown or Buckhead will almost always cost more than older buildings or garden-style apartments in less central neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods in Atlanta Where Apartments Tend to Be More Affordable

Prices change over time, but some Atlanta areas are generally more budget-friendly than others. Here are neighborhoods and zones many renters look to when costs are tight. Specific rents will vary, but this gives you a realistic starting map.

1. Southwest Atlanta & Southside Areas

These areas often have lower average rents than intown hot spots and some northern suburbs.

Neighborhoods and zones to explore:

• West End & Westview – Older homes and smaller apartment buildings; close to MARTA rail and the BeltLine Westside Trail.
• Oakland City & Sylvan Hills – Mix of older apartments and duplexes with access to MARTA rail and bus routes.
• Adamsville & Fairburn Road areas – Garden-style communities and older complexes that can be easier on the budget.
• Cascade Heights corridor – Some established communities with modest rents, especially in older buildings.

Pros:

• Often lower rents per square foot
• Access to transit along major corridors
• Good for renters who don’t need luxury amenities

Cons:

• Quality can vary street by street
• Some buildings may be older and need more maintenance

📝 Tip: When searching in these areas, look beyond big complexes. Many cheaper options are in small buildings, triplexes, or converted houses.

2. East & Southeast Atlanta (Beyond the Trendiest Spots)

East Atlanta has both trendy pockets and more affordable streets. If you avoid the highest-demand corners, you may find solid deals in older properties.

Areas to consider:

• East Atlanta (around Flat Shoals & Bouldercrest corridors) – Prices can drop a bit as you move away from East Atlanta Village’s core.
• Gresham Park & the Moreland Drive area – Some older garden apartments at relatively low prices.
• Candler-McAfee / Panthersville (adjacent to the city, in DeKalb County) – Often more affordable than intown Atlanta but still close.

Pros:

• Many units with decent space for the price
• Quick access to I-20 and some bus lines

Cons:

• Fewer walkable amenities in some pockets
• Condition and management quality can vary widely

3. Far Westside & Northwest Corridors

This area blends city and suburban characteristics and often offers moderate-to-lower rents.

Areas to explore:

• Bankhead / Grove Park vicinity – Some apartments and single-family rentals at lower price points compared with Midtown or Old Fourth Ward.
• Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy & MLK Jr. Dr corridors – Older complexes and small buildings can be less expensive.
• Northwest Atlanta near Bolton Road / Marietta Blvd – A mix of industrial, residential, and modest apartments.

Pros:

• Proximity to downtown and Midtown via major roads
• Some units with larger floor plans

Cons:

• Limited “amenity-heavy” communities at low rent
• You’ll want to check neighborhood feel street by street

4. Inexpensive Options Just Outside the City Limits

Many renters who work or go to school in Atlanta save money by living in bordering cities or unincorporated areas.

Common budget-friendly nearby areas:

• College Park & East Point – Older complexes near MARTA rail and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Forest Park, Morrow, and parts of Clayton County – Often lower rents, though commute times may be longer.
• Clarkston & Stone Mountain (DeKalb County) – Mix of apartments and townhomes with relatively modest pricing.
• Austell & Mableton (Cobb County) – Some older apartment communities and duplexes that can be less expensive than central Atlanta.

Pros:

• Frequently cheaper than in-city neighborhoods
• Many locations still have reasonable commute routes

Cons:

• You may pay more in commuting time or transit costs
• Some areas have fewer walkable services and nightlife

Types of Inexpensive Apartments You’ll See in Atlanta

Instead of focusing only on big “apartment complexes,” be open to different types of rentals:

Older Garden-Style Apartments

These are low-rise buildings (usually 2–3 stories) built decades ago, often along main corridors like Memorial Drive, Campbellton Road, or Cleveland Avenue.

Why they’re often cheaper:

• Fewer luxury amenities (no concierge, limited gym/pool)
• Older finishes and systems
• Sometimes larger floor plans but basic interiors

Small Multifamily Buildings and Duplexes

You’ll find many duplexes, triplexes, and 4–10 unit buildings scattered throughout neighborhoods like West End, Kirkwood’s fringes, and near the Westside.

Advantages:

• Landlords may be more flexible on rent or deposits
• Less competition than in big complexes

Basement or Garage Apartments

In some intown neighborhoods, homeowners rent out accessory units or basement apartments.

Advantages:

• Often include utilities in the rent
• Can be relatively inexpensive for a single person

Considerations:

• Check that spaces are safe, with proper entrances and ventilation
• Ask clearly about parking, noise, and shared spaces

Key Strategies for Finding Cheaper Rent in Atlanta

1. Expand Your Search Radius

If you’re fixated on a single “hot” neighborhood, you’ll likely overpay. Instead:

• Start with your target (for example, Midtown), then search one to two miles out in every direction.
• Look just beyond well-known hotspots like Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, and Inman Park. Nearby blocks sometimes have more realistic pricing.

2. Adjust Your Must-Have Amenities

Luxury features drive up rent. To lower your cost, be flexible about:

• In-unit vs. shared laundry
• Gourmet kitchens vs. standard appliances
• High-end gyms vs. a simple fitness room or nearby park
• Pool, package lockers, clubhouses, and other extras

Often, dropping just one or two “must-haves” can open up much cheaper options.

3. Consider Roommates or Shared Housing

In pricier areas, sharing a larger space can be cheaper than renting a studio alone.

• Look for 2–3 bedroom apartments in mid-range neighborhoods and split costs.
• Some older, larger homes in neighborhoods like West End, East Atlanta, and Lakewood are rented by the room.

Make sure to have written agreements about rent, utilities, and house rules to avoid conflicts.

4. Time Your Search

In Atlanta, summer and early fall can be more competitive (many leases turn over), while some renters find better deals:

• In late fall or winter, when demand softens
• Right before or after major holidays, when fewer people are actively searching

Landlords may be more open to negotiation on rent, move-in specials, or fee waivers during slower periods.

Practical Cost-Saving Tips for Atlanta Renters

Compare Total Housing Cost, Not Just Rent

An apartment with lower rent but high extra costs may not truly be cheaper. Compare:

• Base rent
• Utilities (water, gas, electric, trash)
• Parking fees or MARTA costs
• Application and admin fees
• Pet fees or deposits

Try to calculate a realistic monthly total before signing anything.

Look for Move-In Specials

Many Atlanta complexes offer:

• 1–2 months free with a 12–15 month lease
• Reduced application or admin fees
• Lower security deposits with approved credit

These can make an otherwise borderline unit more affordable, especially in the first year.

Use Public Transit Where Possible

If you can reliably use MARTA rail or bus, you may:

• Skip paying for a car or second car
• Avoid parking fees at your building
• Choose a slightly cheaper area that is still linked by transit

Neighborhoods near MARTA stations (West End, College Park, East Point, H.E. Holmes, Kensington) can offer a balance of lower rent and decent access.

Red Flags When Looking for Cheap Apartments

Lower rent should not mean unsafe or illegal conditions. In Atlanta, watch out for:

• Missing or unclear lease – Always get terms in writing.
• Demands for large cash payments up front with no receipt.
• Units with obvious structural issues (severe leaks, exposed wiring, broken locks).
• Landlords unwilling to allow a walkthrough before you pay anything.

You can check a property’s record with City of Atlanta code enforcement or the relevant county if you suspect serious problems.

Helpful Atlanta Resources for Affordable and Subsidized Housing

If your budget is very tight, it may be worth exploring income-restricted or subsidized apartments in addition to standard market-rate listings.

Atlanta Housing (Formerly Atlanta Housing Authority)

Atlanta Housing (AH) works with a variety of affordable housing programs, including:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
• Project-based voucher communities
• Mixed-income communities

Main office (subject to change; verify before visiting):

• 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone (main line, commonly listed): (404) 892-4700

You can contact them to learn about waitlists, eligibility, and application procedures for subsidized housing.

City of Atlanta – Housing and Community Development

The City’s Department of City Planning and related offices often have information on:

• Affordable housing initiatives
• Down payment assistance programs (if you’re thinking longer term)
• Incentives for mixed-income developments

A commonly referenced location for housing-related services is near 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (City Hall). It’s wise to call the main city information line or check for the most current office listing before going in person.

County-Level Housing Authorities (Nearby)

If you live or plan to live just outside Atlanta city limits, housing authorities in nearby counties may manage affordable housing programs:

• DeKalb County Housing Authority – Often referenced at 750 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030 (call ahead for verification).
• Fulton County Housing Authority – Serves parts of Fulton County outside the City of Atlanta boundaries.
• Clayton and Cobb County Housing Authorities – Offer vouchers and public housing in those counties.

These offices can explain income limits, application windows, and documentation you’ll need.

Nonprofits and Local Assistance Programs

Several longstanding local organizations focus on housing support, tenant rights, or homelessness prevention. While names and addresses can change, you can typically find:

• Tenant advocacy groups – Offer help understanding leases and rights.
• Nonprofit housing counselors – Assist with budgeting, avoiding eviction, and navigating vouchers.
• Emergency rental assistance programs – When funding is available, these can help cover back rent or deposits.

You can ask United Way of Greater Atlanta by calling 2-1-1 from most local phones to be directed to up-to-date housing resources and assistance programs.

Simple Quick-Reference: Ways to Find Cheaper Rent in Atlanta

How to Start Your Search Today

1. Set a maximum monthly housing budget (including utilities and transportation).
2. Pick 2–3 target zones: one ideal, one backup, and one farther-out option.
3. Search for older, smaller, and non-luxury properties in those zones.
4. Schedule multiple tours in the same day to compare value.
5. Ask about specials, fees, and what’s included (parking, water, trash, etc.).
6. If needed, contact Atlanta Housing or call 2-1-1 to explore income-based options.

By combining a realistic budget, flexible expectations, and knowledge of which parts of Atlanta and the surrounding area offer better value, you can significantly increase your chances of finding an inexpensive apartment in Atlanta that still feels like home.