City Guide
Chicago, IL
Overview
Chicago, IL, is famous for its culinary delights such as Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza. Chicago has 2,746,388 residents. If you plan on moving to Chicago, you'll never tire of meeting new people and learning about Chicago's culture and past. Something of note, the Chicago River is the world's only backward flowing river. Also, the city was home to Bertha Palmer, inventor of the brownie in 1893.
What’s it like to live in Chicago, IL ?
If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Chicago, IL you'll find that the median sale price is
$400,000
and homes stay on the market for 49 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of
a single family home and a condo/co-op in Chicago are $350,000
and $405,000
, respectively. Chicago area townhouses have a median sale price of $555,000
, making them more expensive
than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Chicago, ILExplore our Chicago housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over
the years and how Chicago home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Chicago rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Chicago rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Chicago, or looking for a new home improvement project,
discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.
Popular neighborhoods in and around Chicago
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Compete Score | Walk Score | Real Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | $765,000 | 72 / 100 | 94 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Lake View | $527,250 | 72 / 100 | 91 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Beverly | $375,000 | 54 / 100 | 67 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| Logan Square | $650,000 | 71 / 100 | 91 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
| West Loop | $497,000 | 56 / 100 | 96 / 100 | For SaleFor Rent |
Chicago Articles & Neighborhood Content
Read more on the Redfin blog
Popular homes for sale in Chicago
See all homes for sale
Rental listings in Chicago
See how much rent you can affordSee all rental listings
What is the cost of living in Chicago?
The cost of living in Chicago is 16% higher than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Chicago, the average monthly rent is $3,230, while the median home price is $400,000. Overall, housing in Chicago is 9% lower than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 4% higher in Chicago. Though healthcare costs 10% higher in Chicago compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Chicago, an optometry check-up costs around $153.37, while a dentist appointment is $127.25 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Chicago. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.
Compared to the national average
16%
Cost of living
9%
Home prices
Cost of living calculator
Compare cities across the U.S.
Chicago Migration & Relocation Trends
In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 16% of Chicago homebuyers searched to move out of Chicago, while 84% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.
- Across the nation, 3% of homebuyers searched to move into Chicago from outside metros.
- Peoria homebuyers searched to move into Chicago more than any other metro followed by Rockford and New York.
Where are people moving to Chicago from?
- 84% of Chicago homebuyers searched to stay within the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Cape Coral was the most popular destination among Chicago homebuyers followed by Phoenix and Sarasota.
Where are people from Chicago moving to?
Number of People Moving to Chicago
least
most
People are moving to Chicago from
| Inbound | Net inflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 1,034 | ||
| 2 | 992 | ||
| 3 | 916 | ||
| 4 | 738 | ||
| 5 | 732 | ||
| 6 | 452 | ||
| 7 | 447 | ||
| 8 | 431 | ||
| 9 | 290 | ||
| 10 | 249 | ||
People are leaving Chicago for
| Outbound | Net outflow | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Metros | Feb '25 - Apr '25 | ||
| 1 | 1,949 | ||
| 2 | 1,618 | ||
| 3 | 1,171 | ||
| 4 | 1,145 | ||
| 5 | 1,076 | ||
| 6 | 1,038 | ||
| 7 | 1,016 | ||
| 8 | 1,005 | ||
| 9 | 922 | ||
| 10 | 785 | ||
Methodology
This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two
million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user
must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.
What is there to do in Chicago, IL ?
If you're living in Chicago, IL, you may be wondering what to do in your free time or on weekends. From countless museums, lakefront activities, nature trails, to stellar restaurants and music scene, there's plenty to do in this city. Home to 328 museums, make sure to stop by The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, and DuSable Museum of African American History for the afternoon. Jay Pritzker Pavilion and The Chicago Theatre are just a handful of performing arts venues that contribute to the city's iconic art and culture scene. Chicago is also known for its nature preserves and parks like Lincoln Park, Grant Park, and Maggie Daley Park, just to name a few. You'll find plenty of restaurants and up-and-coming eateries throughout Chicago where you can find deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and pierogis. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Kasia’s Deli for a small taste of what this city has to offer.
Explore some of the best things to do in Chicago
What's the best way to get around Chicago, IL ?
The best way to get around Chicago is by foot, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Chicago has a walk score of 77, meaning this area is very walkable. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Chicago has a transit score of 65, with many nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 60628, 60640 and 60619. You can also get around Chicago by bike. With a bike score of 72, it's convenient to use a bike for most trips.
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Good Transit
Transit Score®
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
Chicago Transportation
Bus Station
Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.
Rail Station
Chicago has 95 heavy rail stations; Metra - LaSalle Street, Metra BNSF, Millennium Station, Metra, Metra - 119th Street, CTA - Pulaski-Green, Irving Park Metra Station, Metra 91st St Station, Cta, Madison & Wabash. This allows you to use heavy rail to commute in and out of the city from the surrounding area and even travel to other cities.
Tram Station
Chicago has 1 tram stop. There are few tram lines, which means it is difficult to use them to commute.
Metro Station
Chicago has 1 metro stop. There are few metro lines, which means it is difficult to use them to commute.
Car & Bike Rentals
Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 131 car rental locations. Renting a bike is another good way to get around. There are 60 bike rental locations.
Airports
Chicago has 4 airports, 2 of which are international airports.
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