Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Chicago, IL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 42.2% of gross income.
Chicago rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Illinois cities have lower median rent than Chicago, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chicago
View full rent data for Chicago, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Chicago, IL?
Median rent in Chicago is $2,409 a month. A typical plumber in Illinois earns about $68,442 a year, which makes that rent 42.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Chicago?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Illinois (~$68,442/yr) supports up to $1,711 a month in rent. Chicago's current median rent is $2,409/mo, which is $698/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Chicago?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a plumber in Illinois works roughly 73.2 hours a month to cover Chicago's median rent of $2,409.
Where is rent cheaper than Chicago for a plumber?
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 plumber salary.