Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 16% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin — saving $2,004/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $849 | $696 | $153 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 | $865 | $158 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,222 | $1,055 | $167 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $1,328 | $200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,886 | $1,460 | $426 |
| Median Income | $79,852 | $60,958 | $18,894 |
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
Merced
- Studio
- $696/mo
- 1 BR
- $865/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,055/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,328/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,460/mo
- Median Income
- $60,958/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin. That's $167/mo or $2,004/year more expensive in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (16% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $1,222/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Merced?
The median household income in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $79,852/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $849/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.