Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Chicago, IL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 46.5% of gross income.
Chicago rent: June 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 Chicago, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chicago
View full rent data for Chicago, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Chicago, IL?
Median rent in Chicago is $2,409 a month. A typical carpenter in Illinois earns about $62,159 a year, which makes that rent 46.5% 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 Chicago?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Illinois (~$62,159/yr) supports up to $1,554 a month in rent. Chicago's current median rent is $2,409/mo, which is $855/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Chicago?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a carpenter in Illinois works roughly 80.6 hours a month to cover Chicago's median rent of $2,409.
Where is rent cheaper than Chicago for a carpenter?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include Downers Grove ($2,408/mo), Barrington ($2,407/mo), Downers Grove ($2,407/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.