Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Chatham, IL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 31% of gross income.
Chatham rent: August 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Illinois cities have lower median rent than Chatham, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chatham
View full rent data for Chatham, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Chatham, IL?
Median rent in Chatham is $1,604 a month. A typical carpenter in Illinois earns about $62,159 a year, which makes that rent 31% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Chatham?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Illinois (~$62,159/yr) supports up to $1,554 a month in rent. Chatham's current median rent is $1,604/mo, which is $50/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Chatham?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a carpenter in Illinois works roughly 53.7 hours a month to cover Chatham's median rent of $1,604.
Where is rent cheaper than Chatham for a carpenter?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include O Fallon ($1,602/mo), Woodridge ($1,602/mo), Peoria Heights ($1,600/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.