Chicago, IL vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · scores computed September 2026
Chicago, IL vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin side by side
| Metric | ● Chicago, IL | ● Chicago-Naperville-Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 46 | 55 |
| Price Momentum | 83 | — |
| Inventory Health | — | 98 |
| Affordability | 34 | 37 |
| Economic Strength | 21 | 25 |
| Rental Yield | 44 | 45 |
| Median Sale Price | $399K | — |
| Price-to-Income | 4.4 | 3.5 |
| Payment-to-Income | 26.8% | 22.4% |
| Months of Supply | 3 | — |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.4% | 5.3% |
| Overvaluation Index | 50 | 10 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Chicago, IL and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Chicago, IL 34/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 37/100.
- Economic Strength: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Chicago, IL 21/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 25/100.
- Rental Yield: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin leads — Chicago, IL 44/100 vs Chicago-Naperville-Elgin 45/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Chicago, IL or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin scores higher — 55 vs 46 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Chicago, IL or Chicago-Naperville-Elgin more affordable?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 4.4 in Chicago, IL and 3.5 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Chicago, IL market brief and the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin brief.