Chicago, IL, US
The Midwest's economic hub with world-class architecture, deep-dish pizza, and four distinct seasons.
Overview
Chicago is a city in IL with a population of 2,664,452. The Midwest’s economic hub with world-class architecture, deep-dish pizza, and four distinct seasons. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively high.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Chicago vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $65,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 2,664,452
Climate
- Sunny Days: 189/year
- Summer High: 84°F
- Winter Low: 17°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $320,000
- 1BR Rent: $1800/mo
Cost of Living
Chicago's cost of living index is 110.8 (US average = 100).
| Category | Chicago | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 110.8 | 100 | +10.8% |
| Housing | 132.5 | 100 | +32.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $320,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $213 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Chicago:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $115 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $84 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $65 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $319 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Chicago scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Chicago has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F | 17°F | 2.5" |
| April | 69°F | 32°F | 2.8" |
| July | 84°F | 59°F | 1.5" |
| October | 64°F | 35°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Chicago faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms and blizzards from Lake Michigan.
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Extreme summer heat waves.
River and flash flooding.
New Madrid and Wabash Valley seismic zones.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.95%
- Sales Tax: 10.25%
- Property Tax: ~2.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Chicago per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Chicago is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL, US?
The cost of living index in Chicago is 110.8, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Chicago?
The median home price in Chicago is $320,000. The housing index is 132.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago is approximately $1800/mo.
Does Chicago, IL have income tax?
Chicago is in IL, which has an income tax rate of 4.95%.
What is the climate like in Chicago?
Chicago enjoys approximately 189 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 17°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.