5 cheap apartments in the West Loop

Photograph: Zumper

540 W Madison St, Unit #1532: $1,294/month

This apartment is part of a group of buildings whose four towers loom like a bar graph leading to the Sears Tower. The studio layout is standard for the price, with a bit of a downside—there's really only one ideal spot for the bed, and that's right below the windows. On the upside, the kitchen is located in an alcove off the main living area, isolating the smell of cooking which, no matter how delicious the food, isn't always the ideal scent for our bedrooms.

Photograph: Zumper

540 W Madison St, Unit #1532: $1,294/month

This apartment is part of a group of buildings whose four towers loom like a bar graph leading to the Sears Tower. The studio layout is standard for the price, with a bit of a downside—there's really only one ideal spot for the bed, and that's right below the windows. On the upside, the kitchen is located in an alcove off the main living area, isolating the smell of cooking which, no matter how delicious the food, isn't always the ideal scent for our bedrooms.

Photograph: Zumper

540 W Madison St, Unit #1532: $1,294/month

This apartment is part of a group of buildings whose four towers loom like a bar graph leading to the Sears Tower. The studio layout is standard for the price, with a bit of a downside—there's really only one ideal spot for the bed, and that's right below the windows. On the upside, the kitchen is located in an alcove off the main living area, isolating the smell of cooking which, no matter how delicious the food, isn't always the ideal scent for our bedrooms.

Photograph: Zumper

540 W Madison St, Unit #1532: $1,294/month

This apartment is part of a group of buildings whose four towers loom like a bar graph leading to the Sears Tower. The studio layout is standard for the price, with a bit of a downside—there's really only one ideal spot for the bed, and that's right below the windows. On the upside, the kitchen is located in an alcove off the main living area, isolating the smell of cooking which, no matter how delicious the food, isn't always the ideal scent for our bedrooms.

Photograph: Zumper

500 W Madison St, Unit #876: $2,399/month

Let's go bigger this time around. This complex of towers also contains units with much more space, like this two-bedroom that is basically a larger version of the studio we saw previously. The kitchen remains tucked away from the living space, but the separation between the bedrooms gives more privacy. Like the last, the apartment is quite sunny and includes access to a landscaped courtyard tucked away from the street.

Photograph: Zumper

500 W Madison St, Unit #876: $2,399/month

Let's go bigger this time around. This complex of towers also contains units with much more space, like this two-bedroom that is basically a larger version of the studio we saw previously. The kitchen remains tucked away from the living space, but the separation between the bedrooms gives more privacy. Like the last, the apartment is quite sunny and includes access to a landscaped courtyard tucked away from the street.

Photograph: Zumper

500 W Madison St, Unit #876: $2,399/month

Let's go bigger this time around. This complex of towers also contains units with much more space, like this two-bedroom that is basically a larger version of the studio we saw previously. The kitchen remains tucked away from the living space, but the separation between the bedrooms gives more privacy. Like the last, the apartment is quite sunny and includes access to a landscaped courtyard tucked away from the street.

Photograph: Zumper

500 W Madison St, Unit #876: $2,399/month

Let's go bigger this time around. This complex of towers also contains units with much more space, like this two-bedroom that is basically a larger version of the studio we saw previously. The kitchen remains tucked away from the living space, but the separation between the bedrooms gives more privacy. Like the last, the apartment is quite sunny and includes access to a landscaped courtyard tucked away from the street.

Photograph: Zumper

601 W Jackson Blvd: $1,595/month

The layout of this corner studio is positively unique. Floor-to-ceiling windows carve out your very own wedge of the Chicago skyline. The ceilings are all exposed concrete, contrasting with dark hardwood floors that run throughout. The kitchen is replete with stainless steel appliances and has granite counters that match the space's contemporary aesthetic. Though it's a studio, the bedroom is cordoned off from the public space, allowing for privacy.

Photograph: Zumper

601 W Jackson Blvd: $1,595/month

The layout of this corner studio is positively unique. Floor-to-ceiling windows carve out your very own wedge of the Chicago skyline. The ceilings are all exposed concrete, contrasting with dark hardwood floors that run throughout. The kitchen is replete with stainless steel appliances and has granite counters that match the space's contemporary aesthetic. Though it's a studio, the bedroom is cordoned off from the public space, allowing for privacy.

Photograph: Zumper

601 W Jackson Blvd: $1,595/month

The layout of this corner studio is positively unique. Floor-to-ceiling windows carve out your very own wedge of the Chicago skyline. The ceilings are all exposed concrete, contrasting with dark hardwood floors that run throughout. The kitchen is replete with stainless steel appliances and has granite counters that match the space's contemporary aesthetic. Though it's a studio, the bedroom is cordoned off from the public space, allowing for privacy.

Photograph: Zumper

601 W Jackson Blvd: $1,595/month

The layout of this corner studio is positively unique. Floor-to-ceiling windows carve out your very own wedge of the Chicago skyline. The ceilings are all exposed concrete, contrasting with dark hardwood floors that run throughout. The kitchen is replete with stainless steel appliances and has granite counters that match the space's contemporary aesthetic. Though it's a studio, the bedroom is cordoned off from the public space, allowing for privacy.

Photograph: Zumper

180 N Jefferson St: $1,501/month

This studio compensates with a little extra bump in square footage. Plus, unlike many rentals in the downtown area, the building is pet-friendly. The outdoor spaces are truly something to write home about, especially the rooftop terrace with a pergola that overlooks the city. Also noteworthy, sliding glass doors on the roof lead to a hot tub, and another set open to the fitness center.

Photograph: Zumper

180 N Jefferson St: $1,501/month

This studio compensates with a little extra bump in square footage. Plus, unlike many rentals in the downtown area, the building is pet-friendly. The outdoor spaces are truly something to write home about, especially the rooftop terrace with a pergola that overlooks the city. Also noteworthy, sliding glass doors on the roof lead to a hot tub, and another set open to the fitness center.

Photograph: Zumper

180 N Jefferson St: $1,501/month

This studio compensates with a little extra bump in square footage. Plus, unlike many rentals in the downtown area, the building is pet-friendly. The outdoor spaces are truly something to write home about, especially the rooftop terrace with a pergola that overlooks the city. Also noteworthy, sliding glass doors on the roof lead to a hot tub, and another set open to the fitness center.

Photograph: Zumper

180 N Jefferson St: $1,501/month

This studio compensates with a little extra bump in square footage. Plus, unlike many rentals in the downtown area, the building is pet-friendly. The outdoor spaces are truly something to write home about, especially the rooftop terrace with a pergola that overlooks the city. Also noteworthy, sliding glass doors on the roof lead to a hot tub, and another set open to the fitness center.

Photograph: Zumper

417 S Jefferson St, Unit #111B: $1,595/month

This one-bed, one-bath unit with high ceilings is the best of our featured apartments this week. Sliding doors are framed by a wall of exposed brick and give way to a private balcony. The fireplace is another perk. Though the kitchen appliances are fairly standard and white (read: hard to keep clean), you'll have tons of work and storage space. Not to mention a plentiful amount of room for company and everyday living.

Photograph: Zumper

417 S Jefferson St, Unit #111B: $1,595/month

This one-bed, one-bath unit with high ceilings is the best of our featured apartments this week. Sliding doors are framed by a wall of exposed brick and give way to a private balcony. The fireplace is another perk. Though the kitchen appliances are fairly standard and white (read: hard to keep clean), you'll have tons of work and storage space. Not to mention a plentiful amount of room for company and everyday living.

Photograph: Zumper

417 S Jefferson St, Unit #111B: $1,595/month

This one-bed, one-bath unit with high ceilings is the best of our featured apartments this week. Sliding doors are framed by a wall of exposed brick and give way to a private balcony. The fireplace is another perk. Though the kitchen appliances are fairly standard and white (read: hard to keep clean), you'll have tons of work and storage space. Not to mention a plentiful amount of room for company and everyday living.

Photograph: Zumper

417 S Jefferson St, Unit #111B: $1,595/month

This one-bed, one-bath unit with high ceilings is the best of our featured apartments this week. Sliding doors are framed by a wall of exposed brick and give way to a private balcony. The fireplace is another perk. Though the kitchen appliances are fairly standard and white (read: hard to keep clean), you'll have tons of work and storage space. Not to mention a plentiful amount of room for company and everyday living.

5 cheap West Loop apartments