Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Columbus
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 67% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin — saving $5,868/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $849 | $493 | $356 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 | $600 | $423 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,222 | $733 | $489 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $932 | $596 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,886 | $1,032 | $854 |
| Median Income | $79,852 | $37,268 | $42,584 |
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
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Columbus cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin. That's $489/mo or $5,868/year more expensive in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (67% 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 $733/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 $37,268/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 $493/mo.