Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Chapel Hill, NC

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Chapel Hill are Governors Club, Greater Chapel Hill, and Carolina North. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Chapel Hill, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 21, 2025, the average rent in Chapel Hill is $1,523, which is 0.3% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Governors Club

Average Rent

$770/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.5%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

1 Rentals

Governors Club is an affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill with an average rent price of $770. Compare this to the city average of $1,523. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.5%. Governors Club provides easy access to North Carolina Botanical Garden, Raleigh-Durham International, and N.C. Central Univ.. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 29.

Greater Chapel Hill

Average Rent

$1,437/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.5%

TransitScore® Rating

10/100

Units Available

236 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Chapel Hill, Greater Chapel Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,437, while the city’s average stands at $1,523. In the last year, prices have decreased by 3.5%. Greater Chapel Hill is near Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, N.C. Central Univ., and Chapel Hill North Center.

Carolina North

Average Rent

$1,524/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

13.1%

TransitScore® Rating

28/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

Carolina North is a lively neighborhood close to UNC-Chapel Hill, offering a mix of apartment complexes near the college's campus and single-family homes on residential streets. Renters will enjoy the walkability and access to local parks, cultural venues, and university events.

Northside

Average Rent

$1,546/Month

TransitScore® Rating

58/100

Units Available

47 Rentals

Northside is a historic neighborhood offering a mix of older homes and new developments, with easy access to Downtown Chapel Hill and UNC-Chapel Hill. Renters will appreciate the walkability and proximity to local shops and restaurants.

Downtown Chapel Hill

Average Rent

$1,568/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

59/100

Units Available

41 Rentals

Downtown Chapel Hill is the heart of the city, offering residential spaces, local shops and restaurants, and community events all within walking distance of UNC-Chapel Hill. Residents enjoy the lively atmosphere and access to public transportation. The neighborhood is perfect for those seeking an active, urban lifestyle with a college-town feel.

Cameron-McCauley

Average Rent

$1,656/Month

TransitScore® Rating

61/100

Units Available

8 Rentals

Cameron-McCauley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Cameron-McCauley is $1,656 while the city average is $1,523. Residents enjoy convenient access to UNC-Chapel Hill, Carr Mill Mall, and KidZu Children's Museum. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 62.

Farrington

Average Rent

$1,721/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.5%

TransitScore® Rating

16/100

Units Available

216 Rentals

Located directly between Chapel Hill and Durham, Farrington offers a residential lifestyle with access to college-town activities. Renters will enjoy the suburban atmosphere and proximity to attractions in Chapel Hill and Durham.

Chapel Hill North

Average Rent

$1,727/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

23/100

Units Available

107 Rentals

Chapel Hill North is a vibrant neighborhood offering a mix of residential and commercial areas, with easy access to local shopping centers and dining options. Renters will appreciate the suburban feel while being close to UNC-Chapel Hill and major roadways. The area is perfect for those seeking a convenient, community-focused environment.

Downing Creek

Average Rent

$1,811/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.1%

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

63 Rentals

Craftsman and colonial houses are a staple of Downing Creek, a small neighborhood with access to Chapel Hill's amenities. Basketball fans will enjoy the proximity to Durham, home of the Duke University Blue Devils.

Estes

Average Rent

$1,831/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

TransitScore® Rating

40/100

Units Available

59 Rentals

Estes is a peaceful area just north of Downtown Chapel Hill. This area offers a variety of housing options and beautiful nature views. Renters will appreciate the slower pace of life in Estes while being near attractions and events in Downtown Chapel Hill.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.