Cost of Living in Chicago, IL
Population: 2,707,648 • 2026 Data
$75,134
Median Household Income
-3% vs national
$1,380
Median Monthly Rent
+2% vs national
$315,200
Median Home Value
-7% vs national
7.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Chicago
The median home value in Chicago, IL is $315,200. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,380, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,502.
Rent-to-income ratio: 22.0%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Chicago, IL is $75,134. The unemployment rate stands at 7.9%, with a labor force of 1,502,336 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.