Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Chicago, IL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 44.7% of gross income.
Chicago rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Illinois cities have lower median rent than Chicago, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chicago
View full rent data for Chicago, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Chicago, IL?
Median rent in Chicago is $2,311 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Illinois earns about $62,006 a year, which makes that rent 44.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Chicago?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Illinois (~$62,006/yr) supports up to $1,550 a month in rent. Chicago's current median rent is $2,311/mo, which is $761/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Chicago?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Illinois works roughly 77.5 hours a month to cover Chicago's median rent of $2,311.
Where is rent cheaper than Chicago for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include Buffalo Grove ($2,310/mo), Streamwood ($2,310/mo), Carpentersville ($2,310/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.