10 Most Affordable Chicago Suburbs to Live In

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Updated on March 15th, 2024

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Chicago, IL, a Midwestern paradise, has risen in popularity for those looking to move to the region. With its views of Lake Michigan, iconic eats like deep-dish pizza and the Chicago dog, and endless ways to spend your time, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that nearly 3 million people live in Chicago. As more people move to Chicago, it’s important to keep in mind that the median home sale price is $345,000 and the average rent price of a 2-bedroom apartment in Chicago is $2,555.

Don’t worry if those numbers don’t fit in your budget – Redfin has options to help you find a home that does. To help you find the right place to live, we’ve gathered a list of the 10 best affordable Chicago suburbs to check out. And they’re all less than 60 minutes away from the city. Whether you’re looking for a new suburb to call home or moving to Illinois, you’ll still be close enough to explore Chicago’s great neighborhoods without the price of living there. 

downtown chicago street with cars and chicago theatre

#1: Steger

Median home price: $150,000
Driving distance from Chicago: 40 minutes
Steger, IL homes for sale
Steger, IL apartments for rent

Steger, with a median home sale price of $150,000, comes in at number one on our list of most affordable Chicago suburbs. About 9,000 people live in this suburban area and you’ll only be about 40 minutes away from downtown Chicago. Living in Steger, you can spend time exploring Veterans Memorial Park.

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#2: Lansing

Median home price: $192,500
Driving distance from Chicago: 35 minutes
Lansing, IL homes for sale
Lansing, IL apartments for rent

With home prices about $40K more than in Steger, Lansing takes the second spot on our list. About 35 minutes away from downtown Chicago, you’ll be checking out the Art Institute of Chicago in no time. Living in Lansing, make sure to spend the evening at Lan-Oak Park or explore the charming downtown.

#3: Midlothian

Median home price: $224,000
Driving distance from Chicago: 30 minutes
Midlothian, IL homes for sale
Midlothian, IL apartments for rent

Just 30 minutes south of Chicago, you’ll find the suburb of Midlothian. There are plenty of picturesque and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Midlothian, such as visiting Midlothian Meadows, Kostner Park, or the Midlothian Country Club. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable suburb, make sure to check out the many local restaurants for a bite to eat. 

#4: Tinley Park

Median home price: $263,500
Driving distance from Chicago: 35 minutes
Tinley Park, IL homes for sale
Tinley Park, IL apartments for rent

Only a little more expensive than Midlothian is the suburb of Tinley Park. With a population close to 55,000, there’s still plenty to do in this Chicago suburb. Plan to spend the day playing arcade games or mini-golf at Odyssey Fun World. And don’t miss checking out the Tinley Park Community Park for an afternoon picnic. 

chicago at nighttime view of the bean

#5: Monee

Median home price: $265,000
Driving distance from Chicago: 35 minutes
Monee, IL homes for sale
Monee, IL apartments for rent

35 minutes away from downtown Chicago is Monee, another great suburb to consider moving to. Home to 5,000 residents, this affordable town can be a great choice for people looking to remain relatively close to Chicago without paying the price for a home in the city. Living in Monee, you’ll find Monee Reservoir where you can go for a walk or bike along one of the trails, fish, kayak, and canoe, or simply enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Don’t forget to stop by the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park once living in this awesome suburb.

#6: Crystal Lake

Median home price: $278,500
Driving distance from Chicago: 60 minutes
Crystal Lake, IL homes for sale
Crystal Lake, IL apartments for rent

Another well-known Chicago suburb is Crystal Lake, where the median home sale price is about $70K less than in Chicago. Home to roughly 40,000 people, Crystal Lake is a great suburb to consider buying a home or renting an apartment in. From Three Oaks Recreation Area to favorite local restaurants like Portillo’s Hot Dogs, you’ll never tire of exploring this great suburb.

#7: Buffalo Grove

Median home price: $281,000
Driving distance from Chicago: 35 minutes
Buffalo Grove, IL homes for sale
Buffalo Grove, IL apartments for rent

Claiming the seventh spot on our list of affordable Chicago suburbs is Buffalo Grove, which is almost 35 minutes away from the heart of the city. With a population of nearly 40,000, living in Buffalo Grove is a great alternative to Chicago’s hustle and bustle. If you find yourself moving to this suburb, make sure to visit Willow Stream Park where you can find tennis courts, a swimming pool, and picnic spots.

view of lake michigan from affordable chicago suburbs

#8: Elk Grove Village (tie)

Median home price: $285,000
Driving distance from Chicago: 25 minutes
Elk Grove Village, IL homes for sale
Elk Grove Village, IL apartments for rent

Living in Chicago, it’s likely that you know of Elk Grove Village. Elk Grove Village ties for the eighth spot with Oak Forest and Cary, but it’s the closest driving distance to Chicago out of the three. About 32,000 people live in Elk Grove Village, so you’ll have a fraction of Chicago’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Add Fountain Square Park, Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park, and Busse Forest Elk Pasture to your list of must-sees once moving to this suburb. 

#8: Oak Forest (tie)

Median home price: $285,000
Driving distance from Chicago: 30 minutes
Oak Forest, IL homes for sale
Oak Forest, IL apartments for rent

Oak Forest is a great place to consider living in that will get you access to downtown Chicago in just about 30 minutes. Close to 26,700 people live in this suburb, but there’s always a local business to support in Oak Forest. Popular things to do in Oak Forest include playing a round of golf at George W. Dunne National Golf Course and seeing all the wildlife at Oak Forest Heritage Preserve.

If you’re not sure about buying your first home, you can check out the most affordable Chicago suburbs to rent an apartment.

If you’re looking to park your car in Chicago, be prepared to pay anywhere between $15 to $40 per day, if you don’t opt for a monthly parking subscription, as monthly parking rates differ from daily rates.

Affordable things to do in Chicago

1. Underrated Chicago eats

“We suggest taking a food tour and snacking on some underrated treats like Chicago tacos at Raymond’s Tacos and La Pasadita,” says Pressfarm. “For those looking for a place to drink and look at adventurous art, Old Town Ale House is a good choice too.

2. Navy Pier

“The Metra Train itself is an experience. My family loves to take the Metra Train into Chicago, which is around $10 for an adult round trip and free for children,” shares Cher Kachelmuss Author of Mom and More. “It’s cheaper and easier than driving and parking. Once we get to Chicago, we hop on the free trolley to Navy Pier. We love walking beside the lake and there are all sorts of gardens and parks free to enjoy”

3. Design Museum of Chicago

“The Design Museum of Chicago is free and open to the public,” suggests the Design Museum of Chicago. “We currently have an exhibition on display called, Free + OpenIt’s a deep dive into all of the places and spaces that are free and open to the public here in Chicago.”

4. International Museum of Surgical Science

“Listed as a hidden gem, the International Museum of Surgical Science is housed in an old mansion built in 1917 for a Chicago socialite before opening to the public as a museum in the 1950s,” says Anko Chang. “The exhibitions contain fascinating artifacts of medical history and contemporary interpretations through art, but may also not be for the faint-hearted.”

5. The Swedish American Museum

“The Swedish American Museum in Andersonville is not only a place to learn about immigration but it also has a Children’s Museum. There, you can enjoy art exhibits, programs, and a store that’s free on the second Tuesday of every month,” recommends Angelica Farzaneh-Far.

6. The Chicago Water Taxi

“The Chicago Water Taxi is the best way to see the city from the Chicago River,” recommends Late Ever After. “The Chicago Water Taxi’s weekend one-way ticket is only six dollars and will take you between any dock locations. We use it to take a boat ride for fun or to hop around the city at sites like the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Ave, and China Town. These stops are packed with city sights, restaurants, and shopping.”

7. Spend a budget-friendly day in the city

“Have a day in the city: Bring a picnic to Millennium Park, take a picture with the Bean, and play at the incredible Maggie Daley playground,” suggests Chicago Moms Network (CMN). “End the day by grabbing a brownie at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel – they were invented there in the 1890s.” The Chicago Moms Network offers more tips on how to spend a budget-friendly day in the city:

“Make sure to join a Chicago Public Library and take advantage of their Kids Passport program – check out passes for many of Chicago’s top museums and attractions.”

“Most of Chicago’s best museums are the Museum of Science & Industry (a CMN fave), the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium. All of these museums offer Illinois Resident Free Days. Lincoln Park Zoo and Garfield Park Conservatory are always free.”

“Be sure to check out one of Chicago’s many beautiful beaches. Ohio Street Beach is a great spot. Be sure to take a walk on Navy Pier afterward and grab an Original Rainbow Cone. Don’t leave without getting a photo with the skyline in the background.”

8. Ping Tom Park

“The beautiful Ping Tom Park in Chinatown is an open space perfect for a picnic or water taxi ride to view the gorgeous Chicago skyline and historic Chicago Bridges,” recommends Coalition for a Better Chinese Community. “Less than a five-minute walk away, visitors will find a trove of delicious takeout options at the Richland Center ranging from dumplings, noodles, meat skewers, and boba – most options under $15.”

9. Chicago Sports Museum

“My favorite budget-friendly thing to do in Chicago is visiting the Chicago Sports Museum,” recommends Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group. “Whether you’re a Chicago sports fan, a history buff, or just looking for something fun, this interactive museum features skill challenges. The museum is filled with hi-tech simulated experiences with unique sports memorabilia, and an impressive collection of game-used treasures is a must-see.”

10. Museum of Illusions

“We loved visiting the Museum of Illusions in the Loop,” suggests Stacy Stec. “The exhibits made you think twice about how you perceive the world around you, and we got some hilarious photos, too! It’s perfect for a date night or family trip downtown.”

11. Hidden Chicago gems

“The two-story Little Village Arch is the gateway to this vibrant Chicago neighborhood known for its Mexican-American heritage, known locally as La Villita. Here, you will find local street art and murals, sidewalk food carts, small corner stores, bakeries, candy shops, taco restaurants, and retail shops where you can buy everything from piñatas to quinceañera dresses,” suggests Robert Glaze from Globalphile. Robert continues to offer more hidden gems in Chicago to visit:

“Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood ‘just earned a spot as the 16th coolest neighborhood in the world for 2022, part of Time Out’s annual ranking of neighborhoods across six continents.’ It is a Northwest Side enclave known for its growing food scene and laid-back feel. There are excellent restaurants, trendy bars, and several microbreweries and distilleries.”

Andersonville is a northside neighborhood in Chicago that is known for its Swedish roots, historic architecture, and a thriving number of independent and local businesses along N. Clark St. There are a number of neighborhood events throughout the year, from wine walks, holiday events, a restaurant week and a summer farmers market. I recently went back there for brunch and was very impressed with the many new stores, coffee shops, and galleries.

The 606 Trail, or Bloomingdale Trail, is Chicago’s answer to New York’s Highline. The 2.7-mile recreational and cultural trail is the reinvention of a fixed elevated freight line that was closed for years. Going through Bucktown and Logan Square to Humboldt Park is perfect for walkers, runners, or cyclists. Check the map for access points, special events, art exhibitions, murals, and more. There are some great restaurants along the way.”

Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Chicago and under a 60-minute drive from downtown Chicago. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during April 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com May 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Brett Boudart | Redfin Real Estate Agent

Brett Boudart | Redfin Real Estate Agent

Serving homebuyers and sellers in the Chicago area, Brett Boudart is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater Chicago area, Brett Boudart possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.

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