Apartments for rent under $800 represent one of the most budget-friendly rental categories in today’s housing market. With the national median rent surpassing $1600, these units are becoming rare but remain essential for individuals and families seeking affordable living. Platforms such as Apartments.com and Zillow show that sub-$800 apartments exist, though availability depends heavily on location and unit type. 

Understanding the Market for Apartments Under $800

Rental apartments below $800 are generally concentrated in secondary cities, suburban neighborhoods, and older housing stock. According to Apartment List, apartments priced under $800 make up a smaller share of the rental market, yet remain in demand. These affordable options often serve students, retirees, and workers seeking functional housing at minimal cost. While they may not feature luxury amenities, they fulfill the essential need for accessible living.

What to Expect from Sub-$800 Rentals

Renters searching for apartments under $800 should be prepared for modest spaces. Studios and smaller one-bedroom units are the most common. Listings on RentCafe highlight that such apartments typically feature standard kitchens, heating, and basic finishes. In-unit laundry or modern upgrades are rare. However, many renters prioritize affordability and location over added features, making these apartments practical for budget-conscious living.

Popular Housing Models in the $800 Range

Several housing models dominate this price segment:

• Studio Apartments – Compact layouts ideal for single occupants. Common on ApartmentGuide with efficient floor plans.


• One-Bedroom Units – Found in older complexes or converted homes, often listed on Redfin.


• Converted Residential Homes – Houses divided into multiple apartments, especially in suburban areas. Check Zillow for availability.


• Suburban Multi-Unit Complexes – Apartments priced under $800 can often be located further from downtowns, reducing rental costs while offering essential amenities.

These housing models prioritize cost efficiency, trading luxury for affordability. Renters choosing these models often balance square footage with location convenience.

Where Sub-$800 Apartments Are More Common

Markets with lower housing costs have higher availability of apartments under $800. ApartmentAdvisor research shows that smaller cities and suburban regions often lead in affordability. For example, RentCafe Indiana listings and Zillow Ohio filters showcase more frequent sub-$800 rentals compared to high-demand metros. These options are often in older communities where rental rates have remained stable.

Major Providers Offering Sub-$800 Listings

Reliable rental providers consistently display apartments for rent under $800:

• Apartments.com – Offers advanced filters to search by budget, size, and amenities.


• RentCafe – Organizes listings by state, city, and price range.


• Zillow – Provides map-based searches and updated rental history.


• Redfin – Highlights apartments and comparative housing costs in local markets.

These platforms update listings daily, helping renters quickly identify available apartments under $800 in different markets.

Trends Affecting Apartments Below $800

Research from Axios shows a decline in affordable rental availability as developers focus on high-cost projects. Rising construction costs, zoning restrictions, and urban demand reduce the number of new sub-$800 apartments entering the market. Meanwhile, suburban and rural regions continue to provide more opportunities for budget-friendly rentals, as land and development costs remain lower.

Practical Strategies to Secure Sub-$800 Apartments

Renters seeking apartments under $800 can apply these approaches:

• Set advanced search filters on Apartments.com to refine results by budget.


• Create alerts on RentCafe to get notified of new listings instantly.


• Explore suburban markets where availability of apartments under $800 is higher.


• Check building condition, neighborhood, and commute times to evaluate trade-offs.


• Use multiple provider platforms to compare unit availability and housing models.

Conclusion

Apartments for rent under $800 continue to serve as a vital housing option despite a shrinking supply. While these units often require compromises in size and amenities, they provide functional living arrangements for individuals and families on tight budgets. Platforms such as ApartmentAdvisor, Zillow, Apartments.com, and RentCafe remain essential tools for renters. By searching strategically and staying flexible, finding apartments under $800 remains possible in today’s evolving rental market.