With over 2.7 million people calling Chicago home, it’s packed with festivals, museums, restaurants, shops, and nonstop energy but it comes at a price. High rents, traffic, and constant noise make renters look outside of the city limits for somewhere more affordable and calmer. Cue Chicagoland, the greater Chicago metropolitan area that stretches across 13 counties and offers quieter, more affordable suburban living.
Methodology
We looked at Chicago area suburbs and ranked them based on rent pricing, commute, and overall location grades from Niche.com. These are the top suburbs in Chicago for renters:
Aurora: The City of Lights Shines Bright
- Average Rent: $1,592/month
- Niche.com Grade: A-
Aurora is an active city along the Fox River, about 40 miles west of Chicago. With an active arts scene, year-round events, and easy access to downtown Chicago, it offers renters a busy schedule of fun.
Commute
The BNSF Metra line reaches downtown Chicago in an hour and 15 minutes, making it an easy alternative to driving. For drivers, I-88 connects to I-290 toward the city, with commutes ranging from one to two hours depending on traffic.
Renting
The average rent in Aurora is $1,590 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Studios are cheaper at an average of $1,163 a month, while three bedrooms are the most expensive at $2,190 per month but still affordable compared to Chicago’s $3,008. There are also many homes and townhomes for rent, if you’re looking for more privacy and space.
Entertainment and culture
Specialty shops in Downtown Aurora cover everything from tea and crystals to bicycles and footwear. Stolp Island anchors the scene with the Paramount Theatre, Hollywood Casino, and Leland Tower.
Shopping lovers aren’t left wanting as the Fox Valley Mall sits between Aurora and Naperville. The Chicago Premium Outlet Mall is the place to find bargains in North Aurora.
Outdoor recreation
RiverEdge Park is the heart of Aurora’s outdoor recreation. The park connects to the Fox River Trail and features a pedestrian-only bridge, plus year-round concerts and events like Blues on the Fox, Stayin’ Alive, and Christkindlmarket.
On the city’s south side, Philips Park spans 325 acres with gardens, a golf course, zoo, aquatic center, sports fields and courts, skate park, and more. Residents flock to this park during the warmer months to enjoy the sun before the harsh winter hits.
Naperville: Festivals, Food, and Fun All Year Long
- Average Rent: $1,785/month
- Niche.com Grade: A+
Once a quiet farm town, Naperville has evolved into one of Chicago’s most desirable suburbs. While it’s close enough for an easy Chicago commute, Naperville isn’t just a bedroom community. A thriving downtown, top-rated schools, and a strong job market give residents every reason to stay local.
Commute
The BNSF Metra Line runs straight to Union Station in about one hour, giving commuters a stress-free alternative to driving. For those who prefer driving, I-88 connects directly to I-290 and I-55, with commute times ranging from one to two hours depending on traffic. Many residents also take advantage of local employment opportunities, making Naperville both a commuter base and a career hub.
Renting
Naperville covers a lot of land so you can live in an apartment right in downtown to be able to walk to the Riverwalk or options next to highly regarded schools. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Naperville is $1,785 a month but there are a couple of more affordable studios scattered around. Besides one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments are the most plentiful and average $2,191.
Outdoor recreation
The Naperville Riverwalk is the city’s signature attraction; it’s a scenic path along the DuPage River lined with parks, bridges, and public art. Locals kayak, paddleboard, and jog here year-round. The nearby McDowell Grove Forest Preserve offers miles of wooded trails for hiking and biking, while Centennial Beach, a former stone quarry turned swimming area, is a summer favorite.
Entertainment and culture
Downtown Naperville brings small town charm with plenty of shops and eateries to explore. Nestled between boutiques in restored historic buildings, restaurants serve everything from sushi to gastropub comfort food. For major retail, Fox Valley Mall on the western edge of town features national brands, dining, and entertainment all in one place.
Naperville never runs out of reasons to celebrate. Artists display their masterpieces at the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair while filmmakers showcase their work at the Naperville Independent Film Festival. Whether it’s cars, cuisine, or culture, Naperville loves to throw a festival.
Education
Education is one of Naperville’s biggest draws, with two top-rated districts, Naperville 203 and Indian Prairie 204, known for academic excellence and rich extracurriculars. Higher education is close too, thanks to North Central College downtown and a College of DuPage satellite campus.
Schaumburg: Small-Town Charm, Big City Shopping
- Average Rent: $1,827/month
- Niche.com Grade: A+
Schaumburg puts quaint neighborhoods next to the major shopping hub of Woodfield. Calm streets and parks keep life chill, while major attractions put shopping, dining, and entertainment just minutes away. It’s a community that lets you slow down without missing out.
Commute
The Milwaukee District West Metra line runs along the southern border of Schaumburg. Residents can hop on the train at the Schaumburg or Roselle station and get to Chicago in 50 minutes. For those in northern Schaumburg, the Arlington Park station might be closer. Taking that route, the total commute time is an hour and 10 minutes.
Drivers can reach downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes without traffic, though rush hour can stretch that closer to two hours. For frequent travelers, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is only 15 miles east for an easy 20- to 30-minute drive.
Renting
Apartment communities are located all over Schaumburg, so renters can choose to live near the shopping opportunities in Woodfield or on residential streets near the events held at the Al Larson Priarie Center for the Arts. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,827 per month while studios come in at $1,624 a month. Two- and three-bedroom homes cost more as they both average over $2,000, but offer plenty of space.
Entertainment and culture
Schaumburg’s main commercial and retail corridors sit in the Woodfield area. The Woodfield Mall, the largest mall in Illinois, is the centerpiece of the shopping scene. Next door plazas expand the options with movie theaters, more eateries, and big box stores.
Olde Schaumburg Centre delivers a small-town feel with local restaurants, boutiques, and businesses at the intersection of Schaumburg and Roselle Road. Events and festivals are frequently held in this spot, from the weekly Schaumburg Farmers Market to larger celebrations like the Prairie Arts Festival and Schaumburg Septemberfest.
Outdoor recreation
The star of outdoor recreation in Schaumburg is Busse Woods, a massive forest preserve with lakes for boating of all kinds including kayaking, picnic areas, and miles of well-maintained trails for biking, running, and walking.
Arlington Heights: Where Community Comes First
- Average Rent: $1,829/month
- Niche.com Grade: A+
Arlington Heights stands out for how seamlessly it runs; it’s a community where everything feels cared for, from tree-lined streets to bustling local parks. You’ll often see residents walking their dogs through lush parks, heading to local games, and gathering downtown for dinner or live music. It’s a suburb that combines polish with warmth.
Commute
Commuters in Arlington Heights have an easy trip on the Union Pacific Northwest Metra line. There are two stations, Arlington Heights and Arlington Park, so catching the train is easy from anywhere in town.
For drivers, the trip via I-290 or I-90 can take around 45 minutes but increase to an hour and 45 minutes with traffic. The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is only a 25 to 40 minute drive away, making national and international travel by plane a breeze.
Renting
Apartments for rent in Arlington Heights are clustered along main roads like Northwest Highway and Rand Road. With such a desirable location, rent prices sit higher than other suburban cities: a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,829 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are the most plentiful besides one-bedrooms and run $2,243.
Outdoor recreation
The Arlington Park District ensures that parks are beautiful and plentiful. With over 60 parks, community centers, golf clubs, pools, and sports facilities, residents spend their free time outside. Lake Arlington is a local favorite since it offers boat rentals, catch-and-release fishing, and paved trails.
Entertainment and culture
Local businesses thrive in Downtown Arlington Heights, from yoga studios and thrift stores to boutiques and restaurants serving everything from Italian to Thai. For bigger shopping trips, Rand Road features national retailers while Woodfield Mall in nearby Schaumburg is a short drive away.
Arlington Heights celebrates like a big city with a community calendar that is full all year. Weekly events like farmers markets and the Sounds of Summer Concerts in Harmony Park keep people coming back. Larger festivals, such as Harmony Fest and Frontier Days, draw in huge crowds with music, food, and fun activities.
Des Plaines: History in Motion
- Average Rent: $1,628/month
- Niche.com Grade: A
Rooted in history and surrounded by natural beauty, Des Plaines is a charming suburb. The city’s riverfront setting, affordability, growing downtown, and public transportation make it an appealing choice for renters.
Commute
The Union Pacific Northwest Metra line goes through Des Plaines, giving residents an easy way to commute into Chicago. It’s a direct trip that only takes 34 minutes and you can get on at the Cumberland or Des Plaines station.
Similarly, driving to Chicago isn’t bad, the trip is about 35 minutes via I-294 and I-90. During rush hour, the trip can take as long as an hour and a half. Directly south is the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, only a 10-to-20-minute drive away, making it the ideal for frequent fliers.
Renting
Apartments dominate the rental landscape in Des Plaines and keep it quite affordable since the average rent for a one bedroom is $1,628 a month. Even two-bedroom apartments are attainable as they average $1,997 a month.
Entertainment and culture
In Downtown Des Plaines, the century-old Des Plaines Theatre is surrounded by local favorites like The Choo Choo, a classic diner where food is delivered by toy train. The area comes alive with music, vendors, and food during festivals and events like the Taste of Des Plaines, the Winter Fair, and the Food Truck Round Up.
Outdoor recreation
Outdoor destinations like the Des Plaines River Trail, Prairie Lakes Park, and Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center offer room to hike, paddle, or relax by the water.
Evanston: Lakeside Living with a Side of Academics and City Energy
- Average Rent: $1,888/month
- Niche Rating: A+
Evanston retains its roots while continuing to build upon them in a way few suburbs can. Renters are drawn by its relative affordability compared to nearby Chicago. What gets them to stay is the community as it’s a place where neighborhood festivals, local parks, and family-run shops give the city a friendly, lived-in feel.
Commute
The city is serviced by both the Metra Union Pacific North Line and the CTA Purple “L” Line. If you need to get to the Loop then the Metra line can get you there in 30 minutes. The Purple Line takes roughly an hour, ideal for those stopping at other neighborhoods along the way.
Driving is also straightforward since I-90 and I-94 provide a direct way to get into the city. Trips typically take 40 minutes with minimal traffic while during heavy traffic times, it can take over an hour to get downtown.
Renting
Rents reflect the city’s popularity and proximity to Chicago as a one bedroom averages $1,888 a month while studios can go for $1,599. There are quite a few more spacious options and two-bedroom units average $2,509 compared to three bedrooms climbing to $3,624.
Entertainment and culture
Evanston is a city that knows how to celebrate. From Main Street Fair, one of the summer’s biggest art and music events, to the Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival and the Folk Festival, the calendar stays packed with music, food, and art.
Even without a festival, Downtown Evanston is alive with life. Independent shops line the streets, offering everything from vinyl records to designer fashion. Decades-old eateries sit alongside new cafés, giving the area a mix of tradition and trend.
Outdoor recreation
Set right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Evanston puts the beach right at your back door. Locals enjoy free beach passes, allowing unlimited access to multiple beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and boating.
Away from the shoreline, the North Shore Channel Trail winds through the city, connecting a network of over 90 parks. For dog owners, the Evanston Dog Beach is a favorite spot to let pups splash.
Education
Education is central to Evanston’s identity, with strong public schools in Districts 65 and 202 and world-renowned Northwestern University enriching the community with academic, cultural, and athletic opportunities.
Oak Park: the Creative City
- Average Rent: $1,629/month
- Nich.come Grade: A+
Oak Park has long attracted creative minds as shown by the famous creatives that have left their signature on the city. Streets showcase homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, while Ernest Hemingway’s home still stands nearby. Their legacies give the city a distinct artistic character that sets it apart from other Chicago suburbs and continues to inspire residents today.
Commute
Getting to Chicago from Oak Park is fast and flexible, as the city has both the CTA Green Line and the Union Pacific West Metra line. The Metra reaches downtown in about 15 minutes ride, making it one of the quickest ways to reach downtown. The Green Line takes longer as trips downtown are usually an hour and 15 minutes but it provides access to neighborhoods throughout Chicago.
Drivers can hop on I-290, with travel times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes in light traffic to about an hour and 15 during rush hour. Inside Oak Park, biking is a favorite way to get around since dedicated bike lanes crisscross the streets, and the League of American Bicyclists recognizes the city as officially bicycle-friendly.
Renting
Oak Park’s housing leans heavily toward apartments, including restored historic walk-ups shaded by century-old oaks or modern high-rises with skyline views of Chicago. The average one-bedroom rents for about $1,629 per month. Studios stay affordable at roughly $1,300, while two-bedrooms average $2,372 and three-bedrooms around $2,596.
Entertainment and culture
Creativity shines in the Oak Park Arts District on Harrison Street. Galleries and art studios make it the perfect place to walk and marvel at masterpieces. Performances and live music are held at local theaters and dance venues throughout the year.
Oak Park’s twelve business districts, including Downtown Oak Park, combine national retailers with independent restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. The city’s community events keep things lively: Oaktoberfest draws crowds with food, music, and family fun, while Thursday Night Out turns weeknights into social gatherings with outdoor dining and entertainment.
Outdoor recreation
Rehm Park offers pools and beach-volleyball courts, while Scoville Park, hosts outdoor concerts and local festivals and serves as a favorite gathering spot for residents year-round.
Step Inside with 3D Tours on Apartments.com
Before you visit in person, take a virtual stroll through apartments in Chicago’s suburbs with Matterport 3D Tours on Apartments.com. These interactive tours let you explore every detail, from open-concept kitchens in Naperville to balcony views in Evanston, right from your phone or laptop.
With Matterport 3D Tours, you can narrow down your favorites faster and feel confident before signing a lease. Explore listings with 3D Tours on Apartments.com and find the perfect suburban home today.
Rent data was gathered from Apartments.com on October 21, 2025.
FAQs
What is the most affordable suburb of Chicago?
Waukegan, IL is one of the most affordable suburban cities of Chicago, as the average rent for a one-bedroom is $1,125 a month. The city is almost at the Wisconsin/Illinois border, making it far from Chicago, but the Union Pacific North Metra line provides easy trips to the large metro.
What are the pros and cons of living in Chicago vs. living in a Chicago suburb?
Living in Chicago offers an energetic, culturally rich city experience that’s hard to beat. World-class food, diverse neighborhoods, and easy access to public transportation make it a dream for those who love city living. Residents enjoy the convenience of the CTA system, iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and Navy Pier, and endless dining and entertainment options.
However, Chicago’s higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and harsh winters can make daily life challenging, especially for renters on a budget. In contrast, the suburbs around Chicago provide more space, quieter neighborhoods, and highly rated schools.
What are the main ways to travel to Chicago?
While driving is an option to get to the city, many residents opt for public transit to avoid congestion and traffic. The Metra commuter rail network runs many lines from suburban cities to Downtown Chicago. Within Chicago itself and its closer suburbs, the CTA operates rail lines that stop in many neighborhoods and parts of the city.
