Income Needed to Buy in Chicago
Common Question: 'How much income do I need to buy a house in Chicago?' Based on the median home price of $350,000, lenders typically look for an annual household income of roughly $24,500. This ensures your payment stays below 28% of your gross pay.
Closing Costs in Illinois
Don't forget cash to close. In Illinois, buyer closing costs typically range from 2% to 5%. For a home in Chicago, you should budget between $7,000 and $17,500 on top of your down payment.
Rent vs Buy in Chicago
Is it better to rent or buy in Chicago? With a calculated monthly payment of ~$2,450, buying is currently more expensive monthly than the average rent. However, buying locks in your housing cost against future Illinois inflation.
Hidden Costs: Property Taxes
Generic calculators often get Chicago wrong because they underestimate taxes. Our Chicago Mortgage Calculator uses the specific Illinois property tax rate of 2.1%, which adds roughly $613/mo to your real payment.
First-Time Buyer Tips (FHA & PMI)
First-time buyers in Chicago often utilize FHA loans. Note that putting less than 20% down will trigger Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which can add 0.5-1% annually to your loan balance until you reach 20% equity.