Is Chicago expensive to live in?
Median income: $65,781. Median rent: $1,209. Median home price: $277,600.
Relocation guide · Illinois
Moving to Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL city guide. Population is 2,742,119. Median household income is $65,781. Median rent is $1,209.
Median Rent
$1,209/mo
Median Income
$65,781
State Tax
4.95%
Population
2,742,119
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Chicago
Median income: $65,781. Median rent: $1,209. Median home price: $277,600.
Median Rent/mo
$1,209
Median Home Price
$277,600
Median Income
$65,781
Rent-to-Income
22%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Illinois
State tax rate: 4.95%. Local tax rate: 0%.
State Income Tax
4.95%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate
Weather in Chicago
Average high: 54.12°F. Average low: 49.03°F. Annual rainfall: 0 inches. Sunny days: 0.
Avg High Temp
54.12°F
Avg Low Temp
49.03°F
Sunny Days/yr
0
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Chicago
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Chicago with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Chicago
What is the average rent in Chicago?
The median rent in Chicago is $1,209/month. Median home price is $277,600. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Illinois have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 4.95%. Local tax rate: 0%.
What is Chicago known for?
Chicago, IL city guide. Population is 2,742,119. Median household income is $65,781. Median rent is $1,209.
What should I know before moving to Chicago?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Chicago has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.