Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Milwaukee-Waukesha
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Milwaukee-Waukesha is 30% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $941/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin — saving $3,372/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Milwaukee-Waukesha | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $849 | $640 | $209 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 | $760 | $263 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,222 | $941 | $281 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $1,181 | $347 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,886 | $1,384 | $502 |
| Median Income | $79,852 | $63,161 | $16,691 |
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
Milwaukee-Waukesha
- Studio
- $640/mo
- 1 BR
- $760/mo
- 2 BR
- $941/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,181/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,384/mo
- Median Income
- $63,161/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Milwaukee-Waukesha cheaper to rent in?
Milwaukee-Waukesha is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $941/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin. That's $281/mo or $3,372/year more expensive in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (30% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Milwaukee-Waukesha?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $1,222/month. In Milwaukee-Waukesha, a 2-bedroom FMR is $941/month.
How do incomes compare between Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Milwaukee-Waukesha?
The median household income in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $79,852/year. In Milwaukee-Waukesha it is $63,161/year. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Milwaukee-Waukesha?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $849/mo. In Milwaukee-Waukesha it is $640/mo.