10 Cheapest Places to Live in Illinois, 2022

There are a few things to know before moving to Illinois. For starters, it’s essential to get a good idea of what the cost of living in Illinois is going to be.

Illinois has all the essentials for a high quality of life with a booming job market, a top-notch food scene, Midwest hospitality, and a relatively low cost of living. Thankfully, considering all it has to offer, Illinois remains relatively affordable. But, if you’re looking for the best deal, here’s a look at ten of the cheapest places to live in Illinois.

Note: The data provided below comes from our rent estimates. These numbers expand beyond those listed on our platform. For further information, learn about our methodology.

Illinois State Average Rent Prices

Before apartment hunting, get an idea about the average rents around Illinois.

• The average rent for an Illinois studio apartment is: $1,284.56
• The average rent for an Illinois one-bedroom apartment is: $1,378.94
• The average rent for an Illinois two-bedroom apartment is: $1,734.94
• The average rent for an Illinois three-bedroom apartment is: $2,128.88

1. Waukegan

• Population: 89,321
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,226
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 10.65%
• Median Household Income: $53,778
• Walk Score: 62
• Transit Score: 55
• Bike Score: 55

Number one on our list of the cheapest places to live in Illinois is Waukegan, located along the shores of Lake Michigan, just over 25 miles north of Chicago’s north side. Known for being primarily filled with an industrial-class population, Waukegan is Illinois's tenth-most populated city.

Historically, Waukegan was an abolitionist community that dated as far back as 1778 in American history. Today, this city has plans for redevelopment, including the harbor and lakefront. The idea is that the city will remove the majority of the industrial activity from the area, except for the North Shore wastewater treatment and Midwest Generation power plant facilities.

Although a smaller city, Waukegan boasts plenty of cultures, with several popular events occurring throughout the year. Every third Saturday of each month in the downtown area, the people of Waukegan gather for ArtWauk. At ArtWauk, you can find everything from performing arts, comedy, music, sculptures, and great eats.

In this Illinois city, you can also enjoy other popular events like the HolidayWAUK, the Fiestas Patrias Parade and Festival, and the Chicago Latino Film Festival.

Start looking through the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Waukegan.

2. Aurora

• Population: 180,542
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,343
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 12.1%
• Median Household Income: $75,659
• Walk Score: 75
• Transit Score: 67
• Bike Score: 67

Aurora, which lies in Will, Kendall, Kane, and DuPage counties, is the second-ranked cheapest city in Illinois. Since the 1960s, Aurora has expanded significantly. However, historically, it was a mid-sized manufacturing city that fell within Kane county. The West Side, the East Side, and the Far East Side/Fox Valley make up the three primary regions of the city today.

Located along the Fox River is the historic downtown area of Aurora, centered on Stolp Island. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll find the sizable Paramount Theater. Traveling along the Fox River and offering over 53,000 square feet of gaming and three restaurants is the Hollywood Casino, also in Downtown Aurora.

With a wide assortment of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, Aurora offers renters a dense suburban lifestyle outside of the downtown area. Located within the 325-acre Phillips Park, the only formal public garden in the city is the Sunken Garden. Other popular parks include Waubonsie Lake Park, near U.S. Route 34, and McCullough Park, which hosts the annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race.

Other fun things to check out in Aurora include:

• Stopping by the SciTech Hands-on Museum, with over 200 interactive technology and science exhibits.
• Providing fun for all ages.
• Hopping on a train ride at Blackberry Farm.
• Shopping around at the Chicago Premium Outlets.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Aurora.

3. Chicago

• Population: 2,746,388
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,416
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 12.47%
• Median Household Income: $62,097
• Walk Score: 77
• Transit Score: 65
• Bike Score: 72

Coming in at number three on our list is the most populated city in Illinois, Chicago. Although its nickname would suggest otherwise, the Windy City is not the windiest in the country. Truthfully, it is just as windy as the average U.S. state. While there has been plenty of debate regarding the nickname's origins, rumor has it come from Lake Michigan’s shores.

Chicago has over 200 unique neighborhoods, with 77 officially defined communities. Some of the best neighborhoods in Chicago include Lincoln Park, with stunning views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the famed Lincoln Park, Logan Square, with the perfect blend of historic charm and more modern revitalizations; and Bucktown, the eclectic neighborhood with easy access to public transportation.

Some rent prices might be higher than in other Illinois cities because Chicago is a big metropolitan city. So you might want to check out other cities near Chicago for less expensive alternatives if you're looking to work in the city but possibly commute.

Because it is one of the more affordable big cities in the country, many people are migrating to Chicago. According to the latest migration report, the most significant migration to Chicago came from the midwest, with Indianapolis, Indiana, making up the majority with 3.5% of the moves into the city. Behind Indy was Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at 3.4%, and Detroit, Michigan, at 3.3%.

You'll first want to find out a few things to know before moving to Chicago if you're considering calling this city your new home. Before moving, learn more details about the city, like the average rent in Chicago, rent price trends, and living costs in Chicago.

Check out the hundreds of available apartments for rent now in Chicago.

4. St. Charles

• Population: 33,081
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,424
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 10.39%
• Median Household Income: $102,414
• Walk Score: 68
• Transit Score: 42
• Bike Score: 47

Nearly 40 miles west of Chicago, you will find St. Charles, one of the cheapest areas in the state to live. The Fox River runs through the town, which is why the official slogan has become “Pride of the Fox.”

Historically, the city was completely isolated. It took three days to get to St. Charles from Chicago, and in the past, the Fox River was not accessible by larger boats. As a result, St. Charles remained relatively small because of the lack of connection to Illinois’ more prominent cities.

Today, St. Charles is a part of the tri-city area, including the western Chicago suburbs of Geneva and Batavia. The tri-city area has a population of nearly 80,000, but alone St. Charles is a mere 33,081.

St. Charles is a wealthy suburb of the Chicago area with a higher median household income than the majority of the state. Still, you can find affordable housing in St. Charles. Additionally, many families flock to this area because of its safety ratings, as the crime rate is 68% lower than the national average.

Check out the hundreds of available apartments for rent now in St. Charles.

5. Westmont

• Population: 24,429
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,523
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 12.4%
• Median Household Income: $69,902
• Walk Score: 52
• Transit Score: 21
• Bike Score: 47

In the southeastern portion of DuPage County is Westmont. Approximately 18 miles west of the Chicago Loop, Westmont is a small village just over five square miles in area. Residents living in Westmont truly enjoy living “In the Middle of it All.”

The many perks of living in a village-like Westmont include a wide range of leisure activities, world-class restaurants, comfortable neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, easy access to rail, highway, air transportation, and excellent schools. Best of all, Westmont offers all of these benefits at an affordable cost and is fifth on our list of cheapest places to live in Illinois.

Whether you’re looking for a special night out on the town or craving a sizzling steak or spicy curry, you can find it all in Westmont. Here, you’ll find everything from restaurants, bistros, and cafes to grab everything from a burger and a beer or a romantic dinner for two. In addition, international cuisines, including Bohemian, Indian, Italian, Chinese, or American, can be found across the over ninety local eateries.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Westmont.

6. Mount Prospect

• Population: 56,852
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,585
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 9.99%
• Median Household Income: $84,353
• Walk Score: 53
• Transit Score: 27
• Bike Score: 59

Located just four miles north of Chicago O’Hare International Airport is Mount Prospect, a village in Elk Grove and Wheeling Townships in Cook County. Like most Illinois, Mount Prospect experiences snowy and frigid winters and hot and humid summers.

The unified message of “Be a Part of It” can be felt by visitors and residents alike in Mount Prospect, with all it over, including its newly renovated downtown. Enjoy colorful displays of flowers and landscaping, graphically designed street banners, wrought iron lamp posts, brick-paved streetscapes, and updated building facades.

Also known as the “Village Green,” Mount Prospect has become a central gathering place attracting businesses, shoppers, and pedestrians, to the town center.

While maintaining its financially sound economic base and high quality of life, Mount Prospect has retained its “small-town charm” since its incorporation in 1917.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Mount Prospect.

7. Palatine

• Population: 67,908
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,655
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 11.52%
• Median Household Income: $83,495
• Walk Score: 41
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 51

Palatine lies in Cook County, Illinois, and is the 18th-largest community in the state and the seventh-largest in the county.

Palatine came about in 1866 when they built the first train station. Today, the village boundary lines resemble the shape of a head of an ax and span nearly 14 square miles.

The benefits of moving to Palatine include:

• A low poverty rate.
• Great education options.
• Low crime rates.
• Affordable cost of living.
• Genuinely enjoyable livability.

The village has seen a slight decrease in population over the last five years. Still, you’ll enjoy a robust urban feel, which is more fast-paced than some surrounding areas.

Growing families and young adults fill the city. Among the high marks regarding education in Palatine include student and parent reviews, teacher-to-student ratios, enrollment rates, and public school graduation rates.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Palatine.

8. Romeoville

• Population: 39,863

• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,744

• Rent Change in the Past Year: 9.41%

• Median Household Income: $85,888

• Walk Score: 25

• Transit Score: –

• Bike Score: 39

  Romeoville is another affordable village in Will County, Illinois. Located on the Des Plaines River, Romeoville is 26 miles southwest of Chicago. Thankfully, the location of Will County leads it to have no shortage of exciting things to do and excellent local amenities.

Romeoville has a high livability score, with significant remarks for housing, crime, and amenities. However, the drawbacks of Will County include limited education options and poor year-round weather.

After a recent decline in people moving away in recent years, Romeoville is finally seenig growth. For families looking for more space than densely packed cities for an excellent area to raise children and the money, Romeoville has an ideal suburban feel.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Romeoville.

9. Downers Grove

• Population: 50,247
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,843
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 8.41%
• Median Household Income: $97,197
• Walk Score: 44
• Transit Score: 25
• Bike Score: 49

In DuPage County, the southwestern suburb of Chicago is located along the I-55 Corridor and is known as Downers Grove. 23 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, Downers Grove is bordered by other villages, including Wheaton, Oakbrook Terrace, Woodridge, Westmont, Oak Brook, Lombard, Lisle, and Darien.

A farmer named Pierce Downer came from Vermont to establish Downers Grove in 1832. When the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad came to the village in 1864, the area slowly grew until it saw a population boost. Finally, in March 1873, Downers Grove was officially incorporated as a village.

In 1892, the nine-hole Downers Grove Golf Course became the first golf course located west of the Allegheny Mountains and its excellent park district. Downers Grove is where you can find the notable Downers Grove Golf Course.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Downers Grove.

10. Arlington Heights

• Population: 77,676
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,844
• Rent Change in the Past Year: 15.18%
• Median Household Income: $100,221
• Walk Score: 48
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 59

Another one of Illinois' cheapest neighborhoods is another municipality of Cook County, Arlington Heights. 25 miles northwest of Chicago’s booming downtown, Arlington Heights is the most populated community in the country incorporated as a village. Arlington Heights is sometimes called “Action Heights” and is home to the world-famous Arlington Park Horse Race Track.

It’s no surprise plenty of celebrities made this village their home since Arlington Heights is so beautiful. As you can imagine, Arlington Heights is highly coveted real estate.

Historically, Arlington Heights was a small railroad town known as Dunstown in the 1800s. At that time, few would have guessed that the town would grow alongside the city of Chicago. However, by the mid-20th century, the area would eventually become the affluent residential area we know it as today, including a quick drive to Chicago, lovely residential architecture, and neutral sights.

Check out the hundreds of apartments available for rent now in Arlington Heights.

Final Thoughts - Where Should I Move to In Illinois?

No matter what you are looking for in Illinois, whether farm life in the prestigious Arlington Heights or the hustle of a metropolitan area like Chicago, there’s something for everyone. Thankfully, some of the best places to live in Illinois are also the cheapest places in Illinois, including Waukegan and Aurora.

So, if you are interested in moving to Illinois, the Prairie State now might be a good time to start your research. First, find out more information about the cost of living in Illinois. Next, register with Apartment List today and check out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Illinois!