Where Can I Find Studios For Rent in Chicago?

There are studios for rent in nearly every Chicago neighborhood and Chicago suburb. Explore studios in the Chicago neighborhood or find studios in the Chicago suburbs. Studio apartments in downtown Chicago tend to be in high-rise buildings, meaning more modern amenities such as on-site laundry, fitness centers, and retail on the ground floor. Some newer apartment buildings offer studio apartments with premium finishes, views, and spectacular amenity spaces such as rooftop terraces, yoga rooms, and sophisticated lounges that can efficiently function as impromptu office spaces thanks to high-speed WiFi.

Read Domu's guide to living and renting an apartment in Chicago.

Why Rent Studio Apartments?

Renting a studio apartment in Chicago will save on monthly rent in exchange for less space. Spending less on rent than generous apartment floor plans may put money back into renters' pockets for other expenses, such as parking or groceries. If you can do without certain luxuries, say having a car, renting a studio apartment could still be a reasonable bet. Studio apartments provide excellent access to public transportation and the city's best amenities, most of which are within walking distance. Remember that the affordability index of apartments in Chicago tends to go up the further you get from downtown.

Studios for rent may not be the way to go for every renter. But for those who embrace the minimalist lifestyle, studios mean you get more familiar with the space surrounding your apartment rather than its contents. It's an excellent way to get to know the area if you're new to Chicago or have recently moved to an unfamiliar neighborhood. And don't forget the most important thing about renting studio apartments: you can save money on rent. 

Downsizing to a studio doesn't mean sacrificing style. For example, tiny house owners especially know how to make the most of only a small amount of space. Chicago studios and tiny houses alike have endless design potential, no matter the square footage. 

Explore studio apartments in Chicago neighborhoods or browse studio apartments around the Chicago suburbs.

How Much Are Chicago Studio Apartments?

People searching for studio apartments in Chicago may have to look further outside downtown. Chicago studio apartments are the most affordable option for renters, with rent beginning under $1,000 per month. The median rental price for a studio apartment tends to be higher, given the more excellent amenities and newer construction. The citywide median rental price for studios for rent on Domu was $1,307, an increase of 5% over the prior year. The average monthly rent for studio apartments varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. The studios for rent in newer apartment buildings with more amenities, closer to Lake Michigan or the Chicago Loop, were the most expensive. 

  1. River North Studio Apartments averaged $1,827 per month
  2. West Loop Studio Apartments averaged $1,816 per month
  3. Lakeshore East Studio Apartments averaged $1,733 per month
  4. Streeterville Studio Apartments averaged $1,691 per month
  5. Gold Coast Studio Apartments averaged $1,571 per month
  6. South Loop Studio Apartments averaged $1,559 per month
  7. Lincoln Park Studio Apartments averaged $1,394 per month
  8. Lakeview Studio Apartments averaged $1,179 per month
  9. Pilsen Studio Apartments averaged $1,147 per month
  10. Logan Square Studio Apartments averaged $1,115 per month
  11. Edgewater Studio Apartments averaged $1,024 per month
  12. Uptown Studio Apartments averaged $1,019 per month

Chicago Studios For Rent Trends

Studio apartment rents continued to increase in the hottest neighborhoods in Chicago. Lincoln Park saw the most significant increase, with a 16% increase over the prior year. This was partly due to the opening two new luxury apartment projects: Lincoln Common Apartments and Elevate Lincoln Park Apartments. Studio apartment rent in the Gold Coast increased by 10%, and River North was a 7% increase. Streeterville and the South Loop were highly desirable for studio apartment renters, with a 7% and 6% increase. Pilsen, Edgewater, Lakeview, Uptown, and Logan Square saw modest gains in studio apartment rents.

What Is a Studio Apartment?

Studio apartments are one-room rental apartments with a small kitchen or kitchenette and full washroom and are generally the most affordable option. But they don't need to feel cramped at the same time. Some studio apartments in downtown Chicago let tenants stretch out more than just their budget. Studio apartments, like tiny houses, are an intelligent choice for renters who want a place of their own but don't own a tremendous amount of stuff. Renters can keep costs down by having fewer appliances, less waste, and lower energy bills. Browse this selection of studios for rent far from pint-sized and open the imagination for renters who want to be organization gurus.

How Big Are Studio Apartments In Chicago?

Studio apartments can vary only slightly in size. Typically, studios are similar to an average-sized hotel room and include a small kitchenette area. There will be no dining room. A studio apartment should not be confused with a slightly larger convertible apartment that may have a movable dividing wall or large door separating the sleeping area from the rest of the apartment.