Key takeaway: Average Chicago rents by ZIP code run from $1,525 a month in 60620 (Auburn Gresham) to $3,200 in 60642 (River West), based on RentHop data from July 2026.
Chicago has a neighborhood for nearly every budget, from South Side two-flats to new lofts on the river. RentHop’s July 2026 listing data shows average rents from about $1,525 a month in 60620 on the South Side to about $3,200 in 60642, just northwest of downtown.
Average rent by ZIP code, July 2026
| ZIP | Neighborhoods | Average rent, all units | L lines in ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60642 | River West, Noble Square, Goose Island | $3,200 | Blue, Red |
| 60622 | Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village | $2,898 | Blue |
| 60605 | South Loop | $2,800 | Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple |
| 60657 | Lakeview | $2,450 | Red, Brown, Purple |
| 60653 | Bronzeville, Oakland | $2,400 | Green |
| 60608 | Pilsen, Bridgeport, McKinley Park | $2,150 | Orange, Pink |
| 60625 | Lincoln Square, Albany Park | $2,045 | Brown |
| 60640 | Uptown, part of Andersonville | $1,950 | Red, Brown, Purple |
| 60637 | Hyde Park, Woodlawn | $1,950 | Green |
| 60623 | Little Village, North Lawndale | $1,700 | Pink |
| 60620 | Auburn Gresham | $1,525 | Red |
These are averages across every listing in a ZIP code, studios through three-bedrooms, so a ZIP with lots of big family units can look pricier than one full of studios. Use them to compare areas, not to price a specific apartment. Data: RentHop. L lines are the CTA stations located inside each ZIP code, from the City of Chicago’s list of ‘L’ stops matched to its ZIP code boundaries. Purple Line trains stop at Belmont and Wilson on weekday rush-hour express service.
What stands out
- The two West Town ZIP codes, 60622 and 60642, now cost more on average than Lakeview.
- Living near the lake on the North Side doesn’t have to mean top dollar. Uptown’s 60640 averaged about $500 a month less than Lakeview’s 60657.
- Rents are moving in different directions. RentHop reported substantial year-over-year increases in 60640, 60625 and 60608, and substantial drops in 60637 and 60620.
What about the suburbs?
The suburbs aren’t automatically cheaper, and many are rising faster than the city. Axios reported in September that Joliet’s median rent jumped nearly 15% in a year, with the average one-bedroom at $1,390 according to Zumper. Arlington Heights rents rose more than 11% to an average of $1,750. Schaumburg and Wheaton are the most expensive parts of the metro after Chicago itself.
Before moving out for lower rent, price in the commute. A Metra monthly pass, and possibly a car, can eat the savings. We’ll compare the full picture in an upcoming guide.