Cost of Living in DuPage County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How DuPage County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
DuPage County ranks #1,184 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in DuPage County, Illinois
DuPage's housing costs reflect affluent demand
DuPage County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national comfort levels, yet the county's exceptional $110,502 median household income—48% above the U.S. median—enables residents to absorb $1,628 monthly rent and maintain affluent lifestyles. This is high-cost housing for high-income households.
DuPage is Illinois's most expensive market
DuPage's $1,628 median rent dwarfs Illinois's $837 state average by nearly 95%, and the 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 14.7%. The county's wealth cushions affordability stress, but costs remain objectively steep even by Illinois standards.
Dramatically exceeds all peer counties
DuPage's $1,628 rent is more than double the $761-857 range across Crawford, Cumberland, and De Witt counties, reflecting suburban Chicago proximity and premium positioning. Even DeKalb, the region's other affordability outlier, rents at just $1,041—$587 below DuPage's median.
Highest-cost housing across all income tiers
DuPage renters spend $1,628 monthly while homeowners invest $1,901 on properties averaging $374,100—both the highest in this county group. The $110,502 median income justifies these costs relative to other residents, but absolute expenditures remain substantial.
DuPage suits affluent metro commuters
DuPage's cost structure targets high-income professionals seeking suburban Chicago access and excellent schools, not budget-conscious relocators. Those priced out of DuPage should compare to nearby DeKalb ($1,041) or rural alternatives like Crawford ($761) to understand available savings options.
Cost of Living Advisory: DuPage County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in DuPage County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,628/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in DuPage County pay $1,628/month on average, compared to $1,901/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $65,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $81,471/year. With a median household income of $110,502, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in DuPage County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
DuPage County sits 8% less expensive than Kendall County ($1,763/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in DuPage County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,578
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.6%
of gross income
The median home in DuPage County may be a stretch
Median home value is $374,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,987 vs. your max of $2,578.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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