Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Chicago, IL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 53.3% of gross income.
Chicago rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Illinois cities have lower median rent than Chicago, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chicago
View full rent data for Chicago, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Chicago, IL?
Median rent in Chicago is $2,409 a month. A typical paramedic in Illinois earns about $54,244 a year, which makes that rent 53.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Chicago?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Illinois (~$54,244/yr) supports up to $1,356 a month in rent. Chicago's current median rent is $2,409/mo, which is $1,053/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Chicago?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a paramedic in Illinois works roughly 92.4 hours a month to cover Chicago's median rent of $2,409.
Where is rent cheaper than Chicago for a paramedic?
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 paramedic salary.