Can A Nursing Assistant Afford Rent in Chicago, IL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 71.6% of gross income.
Chicago rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois state estimate).
About rent and a nursing assistant salary
Nursing assistant (CNA) pay falls below the rent threshold for a one-bedroom in nearly every US metro, which is the central tension behind the widely studied direct-care workforce affordability gap. At the national-average CNA salary, the 30% rule supports about $990 a month in rent — below median rent in most cities. The per-city pages quantify how far below.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Illinois cities have lower median rent than Chicago, which improves the affordability math on a nursing assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chicago
View full rent data for Chicago, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a nursing assistant afford rent in Chicago, IL?
Median rent in Chicago is $2,409 a month. A typical nursing assistant in Illinois earns about $40,402 a year, which makes that rent 71.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a nursing assistant afford in Chicago?
Using the 30% rule, a nursing assistant salary in Illinois (~$40,402/yr) supports up to $1,010 a month in rent. Chicago's current median rent is $2,409/mo, which is $1,399/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a nursing assistant work to cover rent in Chicago?
At an hourly equivalent of about $19 an hour, a nursing assistant in Illinois works roughly 124 hours a month to cover Chicago's median rent of $2,409.
Where is rent cheaper than Chicago for a nursing assistant?
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 nursing assistant salary.