Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Columbus
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 28% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $951/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin — saving $3,252/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $849 | $608 | $241 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 | $764 | $259 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,222 | $951 | $271 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $1,108 | $420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,886 | $1,375 | $511 |
| Median Income | $79,852 | $63,239 | $16,613 |
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
- Studio
- $849/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,023/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,222/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,528/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,886/mo
- Median Income
- $79,852/yr
Columbus
- Studio
- $608/mo
- 1 BR
- $764/mo
- 2 BR
- $951/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,108/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,375/mo
- Median Income
- $63,239/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Columbus cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $951/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin. That's $271/mo or $3,252/year more expensive in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (28% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Columbus?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $1,222/month. In Columbus, a 2-bedroom FMR is $951/month.
How do incomes compare between Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Columbus?
The median household income in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $79,852/year. In Columbus it is $63,239/year. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Columbus?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $849/mo. In Columbus it is $608/mo.