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Chicago, Illinois Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Chicago, Illinois at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $313,300
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security and retirement income (pensions, 401k, IRA) fully exempt.
- Avg January Low
- 18.5°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 101.2 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 46 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Chicago, Illinois, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Chicago's cost of living is 1.2000000000000028% above the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Chicago using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$679
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$762
Median home price used: $313,300
Median rent reference: $1,324 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Chicago, Illinois after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Chicago scores 14.3 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Chicago
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Chicago →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Illinois has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 270 sunny days a year and an average January low of 18.5°F, Chicago offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Chicago
What is the cost of living in Chicago, Illinois for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 101, roughly 1% above the national average of 100. Median home price is around $313,300.
Does Illinois tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Illinois residents: State income tax; Social Security and retirement income (pensions, 401k, IRA) fully exempt.
What is the climate like in Chicago, Illinois?▾
Chicago, Illinois has January average low around 19°F, July average high around 80°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Chicago, Illinois?▾
Chicago scores 14/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
MARQUETTE ASSOCIATES, INC.
WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY L.L.C.
AON SECURITIES LLC
+56 more financial advisors available