Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world, famous for its bold architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history. If you want a local travel experience in Chicago (while not breaking the bank), I highly recommend booking one of the following airbnbs!
I’ve compiled a list of the best cheap places to stay in Chicago (according to a local Chicagoan). All accommodations are in beautiful, safe neighborhoods with easy access to transportation! (Neighborhood + transportation = most important)
Note: prices may change and some stays may longer be available. Click the provided link for up to date information.
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Best Places to Stay on the North Side of Chicago
I love the north side. Each neighborhood is like stepping into a different country. Head to Devon St. in Little India for the best Indian food in the city. Wonder over to Little Vietnam for the best pho in the city. Get off at Andersonville, the Swedish neighborhood. The list goes on.
Transportation tip: for access to all Chicago trains and buses, purchase a ventra card ($5, you can purchase at any stop). Download the ventra app and load money onto it for easy access on and off the train. The ventra app also allows you to look up schedules (Google Maps is also great for finding the best route). If you plan to use the train frequently, I recommend buying a week pass. For more information, click here.
Edgewater/Andersonville: Beautiful Condo in (under $60)
Details: A great Edgewater/Andersonville location and first-floor apartment with 1 bathroom, stain-less steel appliances, hardwood floors, marble bath, lots of natural light, in-unit washer/dryer, and large walk-in closet. There is plenty of street parking and it’s close by a Whole Foods, the Red Line train and the lake (5 min from Lake Shore Dr.).
Pros: walking distance to grocery stores, transportation (Red Line), and the lake front! Andersonville is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago with plenty of things to do and see.
Cons: It’s a new host.
Related Post: Things to Do in Andersonville, Chicago (LGBTQ friendly)
Roger’s Park: Casa de Sueño – Private Room Near Loyola (Under $50)
Details: Roger’s Park private guest room includes flat-screen TV with Apple TV, mini fridge, iron/board, closet with hangers, desk and executive chair, Bluetooth speaker, and basic office supplies.
Pros: Super host with amazing reviews. Loyola area is right by the lake front. Close by cute neighborhoods like Roger’s Park, Andersonville, Edgewater, etc. Good spot if you want an authentic Chicago experience.
Cons: Loyola is at the northern tip of Chicago. While I love this neighborhood, it’s important to note that it takes about 50 minutes by train to get downtown. If you are here for only a night and want to spend most of your time downtown, this might not be the spot for you.
Lincoln Park: Treelined Vintage Private 1BR (under $50)
Details: In the heart of Lincoln Park, small private room will close by food, parks and transportation. The private room features exposed brick, a charming day bed, and filled with light from the street view window. Access to the first floor and shared bathrooms in the apartment. There is an area to work in the dining room. Shared apartment with a resident who rotates working remotely and in office. Respectful and happy to give space or provide recommendations for your trip!
Pros: Lincoln Park is a super safe, beautiful neighborhood with tons of things to do and see. I recommend checking out Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Cons: No reviews. While I love visiting Lincoln Park, it’s one of the more expensive neighborhoods.
Tip: Rent a Divvy bike (download the app or pay with card at the Divvy stations) and bike along the lakefront trail for beautiful views of the city. For more things to do in Chicago, check out Free Things to Do in Chicago.
Best Places to Stay Near Downtown Chicago
Chinatown: Spacious 1 Bedroom close by Chicago Downtown
Details: Spacious loft-style second-floor apartment with 3 bedrooms, kitchen, dining area, living room, and 1 bathroom (1 private bedroom). The bathroom, washer/dryer, and kitchen are closest to this bedroom. Includes washer/dryer, dishwasher, backyard with a fireplace, chairs, table, and bench to relax when is warmer outside.
Pros: Friendly host, willing to give advice and go out for drinks or food. Chinatown is a Chicago gem filled with delicious restaurants, shops, and things to do. Close to downtown and easy access to Red Line and other parts of the city.
Cons: None.
Tip: Check out Ping Tom Memorial Park for epic skyline views.
Boutique Hostel: Traveler’s Dream – Bed in Mixed Dorm (Under $30)
Details: Freehand Chicago Hotel is perfect for solo travelers looking to meet friends. This listing is for one bunk for one person in a shared mixed/co-ed room with 4 bunks (up to 3 roommates). There are also other options such as private standard rooms and private quad rooms.
Pros: Great location + cheapest option.
Cons: Hostel dorms are great for solo travelers, but I would not recommend them for couples. (It’s cheaper or the same price to book a private room.)
Places to Stay in Chicago – Southside
Pilson: Simple Room in Chicago’s Famous Mexican Art District (Under $35)
Details: Private bedroom close to University of Illinois at Chicago campus, medical district, downtown and the Lakefront. Uber and Lyft cab service arrives within 5 minutes, Divvy bikes 1 block away. Pilsen neighborhood is a mix of artists, Mexican Americans and hipsters.
Pros: Pilsen is one of the BEST neighborhoods in Chicago for street art and delicious cuisine (my personal favorite). If you want a local, unique experience, I’d recommend staying in Pilsen. It’s also close enough to downtown. (Plus, the Airbnb host is a super host!)
Cons: It’s quite the distance away from the north side of the city.
Tip: You MUST check out the Mexican Art Museum and the beautiful murals around Pilsen. Check out 50+ Things to Do in Chicago for information on both.
Best Place to Stay in Chicago – West Side
Logan Square: Super Host in the Heart of Logan Square (Under $40)
Details: Private room located near a bunch of restaurants and brunch places within 0.5 miles all walkable. Close to downtown, only 15-20 minutes to the heart of Downtown by car or public trans. Blue Line train station is about an 8 min walk. One of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. Wicker Park is one mile away. Free parking on the street. We provide all the amenities you might need.
Pros: Amazing location (great neighborhood and close to downtown)!
Cons: None.
BONUS: Logan Square: Private Bedroom in the Hippest Part of the City (Under $35/night – Month long-term stay)
Details: Perfect move-in ready furnished apartment. Everything is set up for you to feel at home and make it your own. Basic fridge and pantry items are available including a fully stocked kitchen. All decor is optional, and can be moved/ rehung to your liking! Extremely comfortable. Heat works fantastic in the winter, and there is in building laundry. Small back porch with sitting chair. Pets optional!
Pros: Logan Square is amazing and easily the top 3 best neighborhoods to live in Chicago.
Cons: Unfortunately this listing is only for 32 day stays or longer. (Great for a long-term stay in city or digital nomads looking for Chicago to your hub for a month or two)
Travel Tip: You must go to Chicago Diner for the best vegan food in the city. Check out 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago for more food recommendations!
All Airbnbs in Chicago:
Not finding what you’re looking for? Check out all the current Airbnbs in Chicago below!
Helpful Chicago Guides:
- Best Things to Do in Andersonville (LGBTQ+ friendly)
- Free Must-Do Things to Do in Chicago (budget guide)
- 10 Delicious Vegan Restaurants in Chicago, USA
- 15 Best Vegan Desserts + Sweets in Chicago (cute cafes)
Want to Stay in Chicago for free?
I recommend couch-surfing using CouchSurfing.com as a way to see Chicago or anywhere in the world for free!
Check out 12 Ways to Travel for Free for more tips!
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