Chicago is a city of bold architecture, deep-dish pizza, and a skyline that stretches toward the heavens. But living within its limits can feel like a financial high-wire act, with rent prices that can make your wallet weep. Fortunately, a short drive in any direction leads to a collection of suburbs that offer affordability without sacrificing charm, history, or access to nature. Each of these places featured below has its own story, its own rhythm, and its own way of drawing you in. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable Chicago suburbs in 2025.
Chicago’s housing market at a glance
Chicago’s housing costs can add up quickly, but several nearby suburbs provide more budget-friendly alternatives. Before we explore the most affordable options, here’s a quick look at Chicago’s current housing prices.
Average 1-bedroom rent in Chicago |
$2,163 |
Average 2-bedroom rent in Chicago |
$2,931 |
|
$350,000 |
1. Gary
Gary is a city that has stories to tell, is poised for a rebound, and the price is right.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $812
- Distance from Chicago: 30 miles southeast
- Drive time to Chicago: About 45 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of just $812, Gary, Indiana, is one of the most affordable options near Chicago. The city has a tough reputation, but its proximity to Lake Michigan gives it an edge that many overlook. Marquette Park offers some of the most underrated lakefront views in the region, complete with sandy beaches and historic pavilions. The Indiana Dunes, just a short drive away, are a wonderland of shifting sands and rolling trails. Gary might not be everyone’s first choice, but for those who value space and scenery, it’s worth a second look.
2. Batavia
Batavia is the kind of town that feels like it belongs in a painting, with tree-lined streets and a gentle hum of history.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $990
- Distance from Chicago: 43 miles west
- Drive time to Chicago: About 1 hour
At $990 for a one-bedroom, Batavia is a steal for those willing to trade commute time for a slice of small-town life. The Batavia Depot Museum tells the story of the town’s railroad roots, while the Red Oak Nature Center offers wooded trails and scenic overlooks along the Fox River. It’s a place where people know their neighbors, where farmer’s markets thrive, and where the air just seems a little fresher.
3. Hammond
Hammond has long been known for its industrial backbone, but it has more to offer than factories and smokestacks.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,037
- Distance from Chicago: 24 miles southeast
- Drive time to Chicago: About 35 minutes
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hammond, Indiana, sits at $1,037, making it one of the most affordable suburbs for those who still want easy access to Chicago. Wolf Lake is a surprising gem, with walking trails, kayak launches, and a view of the city skyline in the distance. The Towle Theater is a bright spot, bringing independent and original productions to the area. Hammond isn’t flashy, but it’s practical, affordable, and steadily reinventing itself.
4. Hobart
Hobart doesn’t make headlines, and that’s exactly why people love it.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,050
- Distance from Chicago: 39 miles southeast
- Drive time to Chicago: About 50 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,050, Hobart, Indiana, is an affordable retreat from the intensity of city life. Deep River Waterpark is a summertime favorite, with twisting slides and a lazy river that offers a much-needed escape from Midwest humidity. Festival Park, with its riverside trails and frequent outdoor concerts, is a local favorite. Hobart flies under the radar, but for those looking for affordability and green spaces, it’s a smart pick.
5. Highland
Highland feels like a place where people stay for generations, where families set down roots and never want to leave.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,125
- Distance from Chicago: 30 miles southeast
- Drive time to Chicago: About 45 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,125, rent in Highland, Indiana, is still reasonable, especially considering the quality of life. Main Square Park is a hub of community activity, hosting festivals, markets, and concerts. Wicker Memorial Park has rolling trails, a golf course, and picnic areas that fill up fast on sunny weekends. Highland isn’t trying to be trendy—it’s just trying to be home, and it does that well.
6. Crown Point
Crown Point is the kind of place where the county fair is still a big deal—and that’s exactly the appeal.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,405
- Distance from Chicago: 40 miles southeast
- Drive time to Chicago: About 55 minutes
With a 1-bedroom averaging $1,405 a month, Crown Point may not be the cheapest option, but you get what you pay for. The Lake County Fairgrounds are a focal point, hosting one of Indiana’s biggest fairs every summer. The Crown Point Courthouse, with its towering architecture, is both a historical landmark and a functioning community center. Crown Point is polished but unpretentious, a suburb that leans into its traditions without feeling stuck in the past.
7. Oak Park
Oak Park is the kind of suburb that doesn’t feel like a suburb at all.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,464
- Distance from Chicago: 9 miles west
- Drive time to Chicago: About 20 minutes
At $1,464, the rent is creeping up, but Oak Park offers something unique—proximity to the city with a strong identity of its own. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio attracts architecture lovers from all over, while the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum nods to the literary giant’s roots. Oak Park has an energy that feels intellectual, artistic, and independent. It’s the kind of place where bookstores thrive, coffee shops double as meeting spaces, and history is always within reach.
8. Aurora
Aurora is often overshadowed by its neighbors, but those who take a closer look will find plenty to love.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,640
- Distance from Chicago: 42 miles west
- Drive time to Chicago: About 1 hour
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,640, Aurora is pricier than some options but still a solid deal. The Paramount Theatre is a local landmark, bringing Broadway-caliber productions to the suburbs. Phillips Park Zoo, a free local attraction, is a favorite for families. Aurora is diverse, dynamic, and has a thriving arts scene that surprises newcomers.
9. Elmhurst
Elmhurst is where affordability and sophistication strike a delicate balance.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,825
- Distance from Chicago: 20 miles west
- Drive time to Chicago: About 30 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom apartment rent of $1,825, Elmhurst offers a refined take on suburban life. The Elmhurst Art Museum is a gem, housing contemporary exhibitions and architectural treasures. Wilder Park, with its botanical gardens and historic mansion, is a testament to the town’s commitment to green space. Elmhurst is polished but approachable, a place where suburban doesn’t mean boring.
10. Wheaton
Wheaton is where Chicago’s suburbs meet nature, offering space, charm, and a sense of escape.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,910
- Distance from Chicago: 29 miles west
- Drive time to Chicago: About 40 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,910, Wheaton is on the pricier side, but it delivers. The Morton Arboretum is a sprawling expanse of forests, gardens, and walking trails that change with the seasons. Prairie Path Park is a favorite for runners and cyclists looking to explore miles of scenic paths. Wheaton is a place for those who want nature without sacrificing convenience.
Find the best Chicago suburb for you
The most affordable Chicago suburbs offer a world of choices, from historic enclaves to nature retreats. Whether you’re drawn to Oak Park’s artistic energy, Gary’s lakeshore appeal, or Crown Point’s small-town charm, there’s a suburb for every budget and lifestyle. The hardest part isn’t finding a great place—it’s choosing just one.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Chicago’s average rent and under 45 miles from downtown Chicago. Average rental data from Chicago rental market trends in January, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
