What Is the Average Rent in Illinois?

The rental market in Illinois presents a diverse landscape, with costs varying significantly across different regions and property types. Understanding the average rent provides valuable insight for individuals seeking housing or analyzing market trends. This overview explores the general costs associated with renting in Illinois, highlighting how factors such as location and unit size influence monthly expenses.

Statewide Average Rent

The average rent for an apartment across Illinois is approximately $1,670 per month, as of August 2025. This figure represents an overall average spanning various unit types and locations. Other market analyses indicate the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Illinois could be around $1,895. While these averages provide a general baseline, actual rental costs can fluctuate depending on specific market conditions.

Rent Variation by Location

Rental prices in Illinois demonstrate considerable variation based on geographic location, with metropolitan areas typically commanding higher rents than smaller towns. In Chicago, for instance, the average monthly rent is around $1,963. Reports also show median rents in Chicago reaching approximately $2,180, and rents can differ significantly by neighborhood.

Suburban areas surrounding Chicago also show elevated rental costs. In Naperville, a one-bedroom apartment might average around $1,960, while a two-bedroom unit could approach $2,500. Comparatively, downstate cities like Springfield and Peoria offer more affordable rental options. The average rent in Springfield is about $839 per month, while in Peoria, it stands at approximately $969. These lower averages reflect differing economic conditions and housing demand.

Rent Variation by Unit Type

The size of a rental unit plays a direct role in its monthly cost. Statewide, a studio apartment in Illinois averages around $1,508 per month. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $1,670. As the number of bedrooms increases, so does the average rent.

A two-bedroom apartment in Illinois generally costs about $1,895 per month. Larger units, such as a three-bedroom rental, can reach an average of $2,447 or more. These figures illustrate a clear progression in rental expenses as living space expands, reflecting the market’s valuation of additional square footage and room count.

Factors Influencing Rent

Several economic and demographic factors contribute to rental prices in Illinois. The strength of the local job market is a significant determinant, as robust employment opportunities often attract more residents, increasing housing demand. Population growth or decline also plays a role, as growing populations can strain existing housing supply, leading to upward pressure on rents.

Property taxes also affect rental costs, as landlords often factor these expenses into the rent charged to tenants. The overall cost of living in an area influences what residents can afford and what landlords can charge. Legislative considerations, such as zoning restrictions, can impact the construction of new housing units, further affecting supply and pricing.

Finding Current Rental Data

For individuals seeking the most current and specific rental information, several resources are available. Major online rental listing platforms provide extensive databases of available properties and often include tools to estimate average rents by location and unit type. Websites like Apartments.com, Zillow, Zumper, and RentCafe are frequently updated with new listings and market analyses.

Local real estate agencies specializing in rentals can also offer detailed insights into specific neighborhoods and property types. These agencies often have access to localized data and an understanding of unique market nuances. Government housing data portals may provide broader statistical information on rental trends and fair market rents, which can be useful for general research.