Finding an affordable apartment in Houston can take some patience, especially when you are trying to keep monthly rent around $700. Houston has a huge rental market, but apartments at the lower end of the price range tend to attract attention quickly. Availability can disappear fast, and advertised rent can change based on the floor plan, lease term, move-in date, and current specials.
That does not mean renters on a tight budget are out of options.
Houston includes older apartment communities, smaller floor plans, income-restricted or essential-housing options, and properties in neighborhoods outside the most expensive parts of the city. Knowing where to look can make the search much easier.
Below are 10 cheap apartments in Houston, TX worth checking if your goal is to stay close to the $700 range. Some communities may occasionally have apartments at or below that amount, while others may now start above it. Think of this list as a starting point for your apartment search rather than a guarantee of current pricing.
Important: Apartment rents and availability change frequently. Always confirm the current base rent, required monthly fees, deposits, lease terms, and available floor plans directly before applying.
Quick Comparison of Affordable Houston Apartments
| Apartment Community | Houston Area | Floor Plans Mentioned | Why Budget Renters May Consider It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legends of Memorial Apartments | Silber Road / Memorial area | Studio, 1, 2, 3 bedrooms | Smaller studio options and a convenient west-central location |
| Preserve at Westchase | Westchase | 1, 2, 3 bedrooms | Access to West Houston employment, shopping, and major roads |
| The Alara Apartments | North Houston | 1, 2 bedrooms | Lower-priced one-bedroom options may periodically be available |
| Timbers of Inwood Forest | Northwest Houston | 1, 2 bedrooms | Straightforward apartment living with community amenities |
| Summit at 7700 | Southwest Houston | 1, 2 bedrooms | Smaller one-bedroom layouts may offer lower starting rents |
| Riveraine Apartments | Southwest Houston | Studio, 1, 2 bedrooms | Studio availability can make it worth checking for tighter budgets |
| Sago Palms Apartments | North Houston | 1, 2 bedrooms | Practical location near North Houston commercial areas |
| The Waverly Apartments | Westchase | 1, 2, 3 bedrooms | Multiple floor-plan sizes in the Westchase area |
| Southlawn Palms Apartments | Southeast Houston | 1, 2, 3 bedrooms | Convenient location near the University of Houston area |
| Rockridge Station | North Houston | 1, 2 bedrooms | Basic amenities and access to the Greenspoint area |
1. Legends of Memorial Apartments
Address: 915 Silber Rd, Houston, TX 77024
Legends of Memorial Apartments is located along Silber Road in West Houston, providing access to the I-10 corridor and several established commercial areas.
The community offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. For renters focused primarily on keeping monthly housing costs low, the smallest studio layouts are the ones most worth investigating.
Community amenities include laundry facilities, a swimming pool, fitness facilities, and pet-friendly options. The location can also appeal to renters who want to stay closer to West Houston rather than moving farther toward the edges of the metro area.
One important consideration is apartment size. Extremely inexpensive studio units can be significantly smaller than a typical Houston studio or one-bedroom apartment. Before applying, compare the square footage with your furniture, storage requirements, and everyday living needs.
For someone who values location more than living space, however, a compact apartment can sometimes be a reasonable trade-off.
2. Preserve at Westchase
Address: 10615 Meadowglen Ln, Houston, TX 77042
Preserve at Westchase is located in Houston’s Westchase area, a large residential and commercial district with restaurants, shopping centers, offices, and convenient connections to surrounding neighborhoods.
The property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Renters searching near the $700 mark will generally want to focus on the smallest one-bedroom layouts and confirm whether any qualifying units are currently available.
Amenities include a swimming pool, on-site maintenance, controlled access, and other community features. Some apartments may also include conveniences such as washer and dryer connections, walk-in closets, patios, or upgraded interior finishes depending on the floor plan.
Westchase can be particularly practical for renters who work in West Houston. Paying slightly more for an apartment that shortens a daily commute can sometimes make more financial sense than choosing the absolute cheapest apartment farther away.
Remember to calculate transportation expenses alongside rent before deciding which community offers the better overall value.
3. The Alara Apartments
Address: 17601 Wayforest Dr, Houston, TX 77060
The Alara Apartments is one of the more interesting communities on this list for renters working with a strict budget.
Located in North Houston, The Alara offers one- and two-bedroom apartments. Smaller one-bedroom floor plans have periodically been advertised within the range many renters searching for cheap apartments in Houston are targeting.
Apartment features vary by unit, while the community includes amenities such as a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and on-site management.
The location near the Greater Greenspoint area provides access to shopping, restaurants, businesses, and major transportation corridors in North Houston.
Do not look only at advertised base rent, though. Ask for a complete estimate showing mandatory monthly charges. Trash service, pest control, utilities, insurance requirements, parking charges, and other fees can turn an inexpensive advertised apartment into a noticeably more expensive monthly commitment.
The best comparison is always total recurring housing cost, not simply the number displayed beside the floor plan.
4. Timbers of Inwood Forest
Address: 5850 W Gulf Bank Rd, Houston, TX 77088
Timbers of Inwood Forest is located in Northwest Houston along West Gulf Bank Road.
The community offers one- and two-bedroom apartments along with amenities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, and pet-friendly options.
Although this property has historically belonged in discussions about inexpensive Houston apartments, renters should check current pricing carefully. Affordable apartment lists can become outdated surprisingly quickly, particularly when rents change between lease seasons.
This is still a property worth comparing if your budget has some flexibility above $700.
Instead of immediately removing an apartment from consideration because it costs $50 or $100 more per month, compare what that additional amount provides. A better commute, included parking, a more suitable floor plan, or fewer separate monthly charges can occasionally offset part of the rent difference.
On the other hand, never stretch your budget simply because an apartment looks attractive online. Your total monthly housing expenses should remain manageable after utilities and other recurring costs are included.
5. Summit at 7700 Apartments
Address: 7700 W Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77071
Summit at 7700 is located in Southwest Houston and offers one- and two-bedroom apartments.
For renters searching around the $700 range, the smaller one-bedroom floor plans are the primary reason to consider this community. Lower-priced units can be limited, however, so timing may matter.
The property includes amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, business center, and outdoor community spaces.
Location is another potential advantage. Southwest Houston gives residents access to several major roads, shopping areas, schools, restaurants, and employment centers.
Before submitting an application, ask exactly which apartment corresponds to the advertised starting price. The least expensive floor plan may have only one or two units available, and other apartments with the same number of bedrooms can cost substantially more.
That simple question can save you from spending time touring an apartment that does not actually fit your budget.
6. Riveraine Apartments
Address: 8181 Colony Dr, Houston, TX 77036
Riveraine Apartments is another Southwest Houston community worth checking for lower-priced rentals.
One advantage for budget-focused renters is the selection of studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans. Studios frequently provide one of the most realistic ways to reduce rent without needing a roommate.
Community features include a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly options.
The property is also positioned near the broader Chinatown and southwest Houston commercial area, where residents have access to an extensive selection of restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and services.
When comparing a studio with a one-bedroom apartment, think about more than the rent difference. Look at usable square footage, closet space, kitchen layout, furniture placement, and whether you regularly work from home.
A $50 monthly saving may be worthwhile in a well-designed studio. It may be less appealing if the smaller layout makes everyday life inconvenient.
7. Sago Palms Apartments
Address: 13502 Northborough Dr, Houston, TX 77067
Sago Palms Apartments is located in North Houston near the Greater Greenspoint area.
The community offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with amenities that have included a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and playground areas.
For renters concentrating their search on North Houston, Sago Palms can be included in a broader comparison of older apartment communities where pricing may be lower than at newly built properties.
Still, do not assume that a community historically known for affordable apartments will always have units available below a particular price.
Call or check current listings before making the trip.
It is also helpful to ask whether the lowest advertised rent requires a specific lease length or move-in date. Apartment pricing systems frequently adjust rents according to demand, availability, and lease duration.
Flexibility with your move-in date can occasionally give you access to a better rate.
8. The Waverly Apartments
Address: 2301 Hayes Rd, Houston, TX 77042
The Waverly Apartments is another Westchase-area community offering several apartment sizes.
Floor plans include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Budget renters will naturally want to concentrate on the smallest available one-bedroom units.
The community includes amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly options.
Living in Westchase can provide a useful balance for people who want access to West Houston workplaces, restaurants, grocery stores, and major roads without necessarily paying the rents associated with some newer luxury communities.
When comparing units, check whether renovated and non-renovated apartments are priced differently. Two apartments with the same basic floor plan can sometimes have very different rents because one has newer flooring, appliances, cabinets, or fixtures.
If your priority is saving money, an older interior in acceptable condition may provide better value than paying extra for cosmetic upgrades.
9. Southlawn Palms Apartments
Address: 7006 Scott St, Houston, TX 77021
Southlawn Palms Apartments is located in Southeast Houston near the University of Houston area.
The property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Amenities include a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and outdoor community spaces.
Its location can be useful for renters who need access to the university area, the Texas Medical Center, Downtown Houston, or surrounding parts of Southeast Houston, depending on their specific commute.
Southlawn Palms is also a good example of why renters should compare different bedroom sizes instead of assuming a larger apartment will always cost dramatically more.
Availability, promotions, unit condition, and lease terms can occasionally produce unusual pricing differences between floor plans.
Always request current prices for every layout that could work for you.
10. Rockridge Station
Address: 855 Greens Rd, Houston, TX 77060
Rockridge Station is located along Greens Road in North Houston.
The community offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with amenities that include a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and on-site maintenance.
Its North Houston location provides access to businesses, restaurants, shopping, and major roads surrounding the Greenspoint area.
Current pricing may place Rockridge Station above a strict $700 budget, but it remains useful as a comparison property for renters who can spend somewhat more.
Having several backup options is important when apartment hunting at the lower end of Houston’s rental market. The cheapest units may be leased by the time you inquire, so building a shortlist across multiple nearby properties can prevent you from having to restart the search.
Can You Still Find Apartments in Houston Around $700?
Yes, but expectations matter.
Apartments near this price point are considerably more limited than rentals at higher budgets. The available unit may be a small studio or compact one-bedroom rather than a large apartment with premium finishes.
Location also makes a difference. Renters willing to consider several Houston neighborhoods generally have a better chance of finding affordable options than renters focused on a single small area.
You may also come across communities where only one particular floor plan is available near $700 while every other apartment costs significantly more.
That is why searching by property alone is not enough. Search by individual floor plan and actual availability whenever possible.
You can browse additional rental websites and Houston apartment listings to compare communities, floor plans, amenities, and locations before narrowing your choices.
Look Beyond the Advertised Rent
One of the biggest mistakes renters make is treating advertised base rent as the complete monthly cost.
Suppose Apartment A advertises rent at $675 and Apartment B advertises $725. Apartment A initially looks cheaper. But if Apartment A adds $90 in mandatory monthly charges while Apartment B adds only $25, the difference essentially disappears.
Before applying, ask the leasing office to explain:
- Base monthly rent
- Mandatory amenity or service fees
- Trash and pest-control charges
- Parking costs
- Utility billing arrangements
- Renter’s insurance requirements
- Pet rent and pet fees, if applicable
- Application and administrative fees
- Security deposit requirements
- Lease-length requirements for the advertised rate
Get the numbers in writing whenever possible.
Compare Cost per Square Foot — Not Just Monthly Rent
A cheaper apartment is not automatically a better value.
Imagine one studio costs $675 for 300 square feet while another costs $750 for 600 square feet. The second apartment costs $75 more per month but provides twice as much living space.
Your budget still comes first, but square footage helps you understand what you are receiving for your money.
Storage is particularly important in smaller apartments. Look at closet dimensions, pantry space, kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage, and whether bulky furniture will fit before signing a lease.
Decide Which Houston Location Makes Financial Sense
Houston is geographically enormous.
Saving $100 on rent may not help very much if the cheaper apartment adds a long daily drive to work. Additional gasoline, tolls, vehicle wear, and commuting time can reduce or eliminate the savings.
Estimate the commute from every apartment you seriously consider.
A slightly more expensive apartment closer to work, school, or frequently visited destinations may ultimately fit your budget better than the cheapest unit on your list.
Tour the Exact Unit Whenever Possible
Model apartments are useful, but they do not always represent the apartment you will receive.
If possible, schedule a visit and ask to see the actual available unit before signing the lease.
Check the flooring, appliances, windows, plumbing fixtures, water pressure, storage, natural light, noise level, and general condition.
Also walk around the community rather than limiting your visit to the leasing office. Look at parking areas, hallways, laundry rooms, trash areas, outdoor amenities, and the path you would regularly take between your vehicle and apartment.
Those details can tell you much more about daily life than listing photos alone.
Read Reviews, but Use Them Carefully
Apartment reviews can help reveal recurring concerns, but individual reviews should not automatically determine your decision.
Instead, look for patterns.
If several recent reviewers independently mention the same maintenance problem, parking issue, or management concern, it may be worth asking the leasing office about it.
Pay attention to the dates as well. A property may change management companies, renovate units, or address problems mentioned in older reviews.
Recent information is generally more useful when deciding where to live.
Have a Backup Apartment List Ready
Affordable apartments can move quickly.
Instead of finding one apartment and assuming you will get it, identify three to five communities that meet your basic requirements.
Compare them based on total monthly cost, location, apartment size, commute, amenities, lease terms, and availability.
That gives you alternatives if your preferred floor plan is leased before you finish the application process.
Finding the Right Cheap Apartment in Houston
Houston offers a large variety of rental options, but finding an apartment around $700 requires a more focused approach than simply sorting listings from lowest to highest rent.
Start by establishing the maximum amount you can comfortably spend each month. Then determine which parts of Houston work for your daily routine.
From there, compare actual available floor plans rather than relying only on a property’s advertised starting price.
A cheap apartment should still work for your lifestyle.
The goal is not simply to find the lowest number. It is to find a rental with a manageable total monthly cost, a usable floor plan, and a location that makes sense for you.
Conclusion
Finding cheap apartments in Houston, TX around $700 is challenging, but there are still communities worth investigating.
Properties such as The Alara, Preserve at Westchase, Summit at 7700, Riveraine Apartments, The Waverly, and Southlawn Palms may periodically offer lower-priced floor plans, while other communities on this list provide useful alternatives if you have some flexibility in your budget.
Legends of Memorial, Timbers of Inwood Forest, Sago Palms, and Rockridge Station are also worth comparing based on current availability, location, apartment size, and total monthly costs.
Most importantly, verify pricing before applying.
Houston apartment rents can change frequently, and the lowest advertised price may apply to only one floor plan, lease term, or move-in date. Compare the full monthly cost, tour the apartment when possible, and keep several backup properties on your shortlist.
Doing that gives you a much better chance of finding an affordable Houston apartment that fits both your budget and your everyday needs.
