Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Elmwood Park, IL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35% of gross income.
Elmwood Park rent: September 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 Elmwood Park, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Elmwood Park
View full rent data for Elmwood Park, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Elmwood Park, IL?
Median rent in Elmwood Park is $1,811 a month. A typical carpenter in Illinois earns about $62,159 a year, which makes that rent 35% 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 Elmwood Park?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Illinois (~$62,159/yr) supports up to $1,554 a month in rent. Elmwood Park's current median rent is $1,811/mo, which is $257/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Elmwood Park?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a carpenter in Illinois works roughly 60.6 hours a month to cover Elmwood Park's median rent of $1,811.
Where is rent cheaper than Elmwood Park for a carpenter?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include Lisle ($1,809/mo), Lisle ($1,808/mo), Mount Prospect ($1,808/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.