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Data: Zillow • Census • FBI • NOAA • BLS

IL

Chicago

Chicago is a major metropolitan area in IL with a population of 2,720,556 residents. With a median home price of $525,274 (50% above the national median) and median household income of $73,194, Chicago is considered very expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 7.2x.

Home Price
$525,274
Population
2,720,556
Nearby Cities
Chicago
Housing

Housing & Real Estate

The real estate market in Chicago features a median home price of $525,274, which is 50% higher than the U.S. national median of $350,000. Monthly rent averages $2,189, 46% above the national average. Over the past decade, rent has increased by 45%.

Median Home Price$525,274
Monthly Rent$2,189
Annual Housing Cost$7,516
Rent Growth (10yr)+45%

Demographics

Chicago has a diverse population that represents a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and household types contributing to the city's vibrant community.

Population2,720,556
Median Age34.2 years
Household Size2.53
US Size Rank#3
Demographics
Economy

Economy & Income

Chicago offers a median household income of $73,194, which is 5% higher than the national median of $70,000. Residents spend approximately 36% of their income on rent annually, which may pose affordability challenges for some households.

Median Income$73,194
Unemployment Rate6.3%
Price to Income Ratio7.2x
Monthly Rent / Income36%

Safety & Quality of Life

345
Violent Crime per 100k
Below National Avg
1393
Property Crime per 100k
Below National Avg
1738
Total Crime per 100k

Climate & Weather

Understanding the climate of Chicago is important for those considering relocating. Weather patterns affect daily life, activities, and overall comfort.

RegionIL
Climate TypeModerate
Climate data helps residents prepare for seasonal changes and plan their lifestyle accordingly. Consider visiting Chicago during different seasons to experience the weather firsthand.
Climate

Nearby Cities

Milwaukee

Milwaukee

81 miles

Indianapolis

Indianapolis

165 miles

Detroit

Detroit

237 miles

Cincinnati

Cincinnati

252 miles

Popular Comparisons from Chicago

See how Chicago compares to other popular destinations. Compare cost of living, housing prices, and quality of life.

Chicago vs New YorkNY
Chicago vs Los AngelesCA
Chicago vs HoustonTX
Chicago vs PhoenixAZ
Chicago vs AustinTX
Chicago vs San FranciscoCA

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago

What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL?

The median home price in Chicago is $525,274, with average monthly rent of $2,189. The median household income is $73,194, giving the city a price-to-income ratio of 7.2x.

Is Chicago affordable?

Chicago is considered expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 7.2x, above the national average of 5x.

What is the population of Chicago?

Chicago has a population of 2,720,556 residents, making it the #3 largest city in the United States.

How safe is Chicago?

Chicago has a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average. The property crime rate is 1393 per 100,000 residents.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform that helps you compare cities across the United States. We provide data on housing prices, rent, income, crime rates, demographics, and climate to help you make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

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