8 Affordable Airbnb Sublets in Chicago for Monthly Rentals

Chicago-Bean

The Windy City is home to 77 diverse neighborhoods and one of the most vibrant dining and entertainment scenes in the U.S. If you are thinking about staying in Chicago for a few months, but don’t want to sign a lease, then this list of the top 8 Airbnb sublets is the perfect guide to help you find the best option for a monthly rental.

Whether you are coming for business or pleasure, Chicago is sure to delight you with its endless list of places to see and things to try. Like to eat well? Chicago’s got you covered – it’s a foodie mecca with everything from their famous deep-dish pizza and Polish sausages to fine dining at one of the 25 Michelin starred restaurants across the city.

How about some arts and recreation? Well, Chicago is home to many world-class museums and a lively theater scene to go along with its beautiful public parks, like Grant Park and Millennium Park, and, of course, the renowned Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. 

What about sports? Chicago has a team for every major sport and even two teams for baseball! Be sure to check out a game at the historic Wrigley Field or Soldier Field when you’re in town.

For this list, we hand-picked Airbnbs that specifically cater to long stays and with multiple reviews from guests who have already stayed there for at least 1 month. The first 4 options are for travelers who want an entire home while the last 4 are for a shared room within a house.

Housing in Chicago is not cheap as the average rent for an apartment in Chicago is almost $2,000 per month. So, we looked for the best deals in town and kept our entire home rentals at around $1,200-$1,500 a month while the shared rooms are around $700-$800 per month.

Make sure to also check out our guide on how to find the best Airbnb for long-term stays.

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This cozy studio is located in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, which is only about a 20 minute train ride to the center of Chicago. But, Lincoln Park itself has a lot to offer – there is Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free for the public to enjoy, beaches on the shore of Lake Michigan, and a huge variety of restaurants and bars. Lincoln Park is also home to DePaul University, which gives you a unique mix of the upscale with a traditional college environment. Lincoln Park also has a walkability score of 94 and a bike score of 92, making it the ideal Airbnb sublet in Chicago to call home for a few months.

The host of this Airbnb recently bought a new queen size mattress and memory foam topper to ensure that you will get a good night’s rest. There is also a separate kitchen that is fully equipped, so you can prepare all your meals at home to stay healthy and save some money. Meanwhile, you can enjoy access to a new Apple TV with Netflix access, fresh towels and linens, and air conditioning.

What Others are Saying

Adina said: “James was a great host, he gave us his cell phone number so the contact was easy. Lincoln Park is a beautiful, lively neighborhood and James apartment is close to grocery stores and tons of restaurants. It’s not too busy at night though, noise levels were really low. You can walk to the center of the city within 20-30 minutes or take public transportation. Thanks for having us :)”

This Airbnb is located in the Pilsen neighborhood, which is just south-west of downtown Chicago and near Little Italy and Chinatown. Pilsen made Forbes’ list of the “12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World.” It is filled with hip galleries and trendy bars & restaurants, with some of the best Mexican cuisine in Chicago. It also earned a walk score of 88 and bike score of 85, making it very easy to get around the neighborhood. Downtown is not very far either, with just a 20 minute train ride getting you into the Loop.

The host, who is a Superhost, promotes this Airbnb for monthly rentals in Chicago. She is fully licensed and offers hotel quality service, but in a beautiful 2 bedroom condo all for yourself. Her towels are professionally laundered by a hotel linen company and the whole apartment is cleaned by professionals using hospital-grade disinfectants. The kitchen also comes fully stocked with all the cookware and utensils you could ever need.

Meanwhile, the location is superb – 2 blocks from the Pink Line “L” train and close to Cremak Fresh Market grocery store and Aldi.

What Others are Saying

Skai said: “Polina’s place is a GEM! Everything you might need is there, from scissors to tea to washer + dryer. What I especially appreciated were the eco friendly soaps and detergents + the guides left on the table for ideas on what to do around the city. The heater was great after a long cold day out in the city and the convenience of the number keypad lock was also appreciated. No key to lose!

Everything was clean and the details were amazing. We loved everything about her place, we were so comfortable it actually started to feel like home. Please check out Polina’s place, you will NOT be disappointed at all.”

If you are looking for an Airbnb sublet in Chicago all for yourself that is close to downtown but still far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet, then this 2 bedroom listing is perfect for you. It is located in Avondale, which Lonely Planet rated as one of the top 10 neighborhoods to visit in the U.S. It is made up mostly of charming residential houses, yet boasts a diverse range of dining options, from fried chicken at Honey Butter Fried Chicken to the Michelin-starred Korean-American Parachute.

Nearby, there is also the Revolution Brewing Brewery & Taproom to give you a local taste of Chicago beers. Avondale is also 25 minutes by train to the Loop and just north of the trendy Logan Square neighborhood, making it the ideal location to give you access to the city during the day and a more relaxed vibe during the evenings.

This apartment comes fully furnished and 100% of the guests who stayed here for at least 1 month rated it 5 stars. You get access to a smart TV, a kitchen with plates and cookware, and 2 bedrooms – 1 with a king bed and 1 with a queen bed. There is also a shared laundry room. Best of all, this rental comes with free parking if you are planning to come by car.

What Others are Saying

Anna said: “It was our first Airbnb experience and it was wonderful. The garden apt was very spacious, super clean and really comfortable. My friends and I loved all the art and decor. There was even some drinks and a few snacks provided. Jed answered all of our questions in a very timely manner and even gave us plenty of recommendations for sites and restaurants to see in Chicago. The apt is located in a nice quiet neighborhood and was close to everything we wanted to see. The beds and furniture were very comfortable.”

Here is another great deal in the Pilsen neighborhood for those looking for an entire apartment for themselves. This 2 bedroom gem is located right off the main street in Pilsen and offers guests a modern, spacious apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and a backyard with a patio. This newly renovated rental is ideal for a sublet, as there have been many guest reviews for people who have stayed for longer than 1 month, reflecting the host’s experience catering to longer stays.

As for the location, it is really in the center of Pilsen and within walking distance to many bars and restaurants. Downtown Chicago is also only a 25 minute train ride away.

What Others are Saying

Art said: “Audra’s place is clean, well appointed, and in a great location – close to public transportation and very walkable. There were many thoughtful touches throughout the apartment, the bed was very comfortable, and building was quiet. Audra was responsive and easy to communicate with. Would highly recommend!”

Now, we start to take a look at some affordable shared rooms available in Chicago for monthly rental on Airbnb. This room is located in a 2 bedroom apartment in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, which is only about 30 minutes from the Loop by train. You get a full size bed with a desk, closet, and air conditioning. You also get access to a shared, fully equipped kitchen, super bright living room, and a clean and spacious bathroom. There are also 2 balconies for you to enjoy.

The Uptown neighborhood is best known as one of Chicago’s premier entertainment districts as well as offering a wide range of Asian restaurants and grocery stores. Lake Michigan is also just a few steps away. Uptown earned a walk score of 91 and a bike score of 91, making it a great spot to settle in for a few months.

This Airbnb is located only a few blocks away from a supermarket and well as the train stop. Guests raved about the kindness and friendliness of the host, who is also a Superhost, and commented how they felt at home in the apartment.

What Others are Saying

Doreen said: “I stayed at Jorge’s place for some weeks. It’s located in a nice neighborhood, close to the beach & Edgewater/ Andersonville. During my stay we both were busy with our own stuff, so we didn’t see each other that often, but if I needed something. Jorge was always very easy to communicate with. I had a very good stay and felt at home at his apartment. Thanks again, Jorge!”

This bright and airy room is located in Wicker Park, which is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Chicago. This artsy enclave is packed with art galleries, restaurants offering diverse, international cuisines, as well as a mix of high-end cocktail bars and neighborhood dive bars & speakeasies.

Wicker Park also earned a walk score and bike score of 95, making it one of the most walkable neighborhoods in all of Chicago. In the warmer months, you can enjoy the Wicker Park Farmers Market every Sunday or relax in the actual recreational park in Wicker Park.

This Airbnb is located off the main street, so it is very quiet. It comes with a large single room with a queen size bed and its own private balcony. You also get an en-suite bathroom with double sinks and full access to the kitchen, living room, and front balcony. There are numerous restaurants steps away from the apartment, while the nearest train stop is only a few blocks away. There is even a Target that you can reach on foot in a few minutes.

What Others are Saying

Autumn said: “My first long term Airbnb stay couldn’t have gone better. Sebastien was an extraordinary host, going above and beyond to provide me with everything I needed. I felt very comfortable being a guest in his house, and will miss our conversations, and his pup Dayo. The space itself is great, I especially loved having a private entrance, a private bathroom, and a PRIVATE balcony. (And a jetted bathtub. Close to Damen bus/blue line, Target, Mariano’s, Walgreens all within walking distance. Worth every penny! Would definitely come back :)”

If you are a baseball fan and want a long-term stay that is only one block away from Wrigley Field, then this listing is for you. This private room is located in the Lake View neighborhood, which is also home to the Wrigleyville and Boystown enclaves. Lake View has a countless variety of delicious restaurants and lively bars (especially around Wrigley Field), and, of course, offers a view of the lake just steps away from any point in the neighborhood. Lake View also has a walk score of 91 and a bike score of 88, making it a well-rounded choice for you to explore Chicago.

The rental comes with a private room with a queen bed and TV. There is also access to a shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom. There is even a washer and dryer included. The host is a Superhost and very accommodating to long-term stays. Meanwhile, the train station is only a 5 minute walk away and you can be in the Loop in 20 minutes.

What Others are Saying

Matthew said: “Wonderful spot, incredibly located. Mo & Ganna are very accommodating and keep the place very clean. I stayed for a month and have not a single complaint! Thanks guys!”

This private room is located in the Avondale neighborhood, which we detailed earlier as a quiet residential neighborhood with many food and drinking options. This bright and beautiful private room comes with a double bed and access to the shared kitchen and living room. You are also able to use the washer and dryer.

The apartment is in a great location – there is a Target less than 5 minutes away and bus stops and train stops nearby, too. You can get into downtown Chicago in about 30 to 40 minutes. Guest reviews stated how nice the host is and how clean the whole apartment is.

What Others are Saying

Simone said: “Margi is an excellent host. She is very welcoming and well prepared. The room is pretty nice, very clean and cozy. Her apartment is lovely and detailed designed. The best was, that I was allowed to wash my clothes in her washing machine and dryer. Fantastic! I really appreciate that.”