Schaumburg is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,900 per month and slightly higher grocery costs compared to the national average.
Housing Costs in Schaumburg
Housing is the biggest expense for most Schaumburg residents. A typical 2-bedroom apartment rents for $1,800 to $2,000 per month as of 2025. Buying a 3-bedroom single-family home usually costs between $350,000 and $450,000, depending on the neighborhood, age of the home, and amenities.
Renting is more common in the central areas of Schaumburg near shopping, dining and entertainment, while purchasing is typical in quieter residential neighborhoods. Newer construction and luxury properties command higher prices. Many neighborhoods have active homeowners associations (HOAs) that charge monthly or annual fees for shared amenities and exterior maintenance.
Here’s a comparison of typical housing costs in Schaumburg:
- Renting a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,400 – $1,600/month
- Renting a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800 – $2,000/month
- Buying a 2-bedroom condo: $200,000 – $300,000
- Buying a 3-bedroom house: $350,000 – $450,000
- Typical HOA fees: $200 – $400/month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and trash collection average around $250 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment in Schaumburg. Expect higher cooling costs in the summer months. Internet and cable packages start at about $75 per month.
Here’s a monthly utilities budget for a typical household:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $80 – $120 |
| Natural gas | $40 – $60 |
| Water/sewer/trash | $60 – $80 |
| Internet | $50 – $75 |
| Streaming/cable | $25 – $100 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Schaumburg are about 5% higher than the national average. Expect to spend around $350 to $450 per person per month on food, household items, and basic personal care products. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and dining out.
A typical grocery basket with staples like milk, eggs, bread, produce, meat, and pantry items may cost $75 to $100 per week for one person. Dining out ranges from about $10 for a quick fast food meal to $30+ per person at a sit-down restaurant.
Taxes and Fees
Schaumburg homeowners pay property taxes of around 2.5% of their home’s assessed value annually. For a $400,000 house, that equates to about $10,000 per year or $833 per month.
Sales tax in Schaumburg is 10%, which includes state, county, and local taxes. Vehicle registration fees are $151 per year. If your neighborhood has an HOA, expect monthly fees ranging from $200 to $400 for maintenance and amenities.
| Tax/Fee | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Property tax (on $400K home) | $833/month |
| Sales tax | 10% |
| Vehicle registration | $151/year |
| Typical HOA fee | $200 – $400/month |
Monthly Cost of Living in Schaumburg
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Schaumburg? Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for different household sizes, based on average expenses:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,500 | $1,900 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $200 | $250 | $350 |
| Groceries | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $800 |
| Personal/misc. | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $3,000 | $4,250 | $5,950 |
Keep in mind these are approximate pre-tax figures. With Schaumburg’s higher housing and grocery costs, a comfortable lifestyle may require a monthly gross income around $3,000 for a single person, $4,250 for a couple, or $5,950 for a family of four.
Lifestyle Considerations
Schaumburg offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle about 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Commuting by car or Metra rail takes around an hour. Many residents work locally in Schaumburg’s many office parks, retail centers, and corporate headquarters.
While Schaumburg is not the cheapest Chicago suburb, it provides a good balance of housing options, amenities, schools, and access to jobs. Families appreciate the strong school districts and ample parks and recreation. Professionals value the diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment scene.
Newer homes and luxury rentals are pricier but provide modern features and amenities. More affordable options can be found in older neighborhoods and condo communities. Wherever you choose, Schaumburg offers a welcoming place to call home in the Chicago area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Schaumburg?
To live comfortably, a gross (pre-tax) income around $36,000 per year for a single person, $51,000 for a couple, or $71,000 for a family of four is recommended. Actual needs may vary based on lifestyle and housing choices.
How much are property taxes in Schaumburg?
The typical property tax rate in Schaumburg is around 2.5% of a home’s assessed value annually. On a $400,000 house, that equals about $10,000 per year or $833 per month.
Is Schaumburg cheaper than Chicago?
Yes, living in Schaumburg is generally more affordable than in Chicago proper. Housing costs, in particular, are notably lower, with more space for the money. However, Schaumburg is still moderately expensive compared to further-out suburbs or other parts of the country.
What are the top 3 costs that surprise newcomers to Schaumburg?
Property taxes, heating and cooling costs, and HOA fees tend to catch new residents off guard. Schaumburg has higher property tax rates than some expect for a suburb. The summer and winter climate extremes can lead to high utility bills. Many neighborhoods have monthly HOA fees that can add hundreds to the housing budget.
Is public transit available in Schaumburg?
Yes, the Pace suburban bus system serves Schaumburg locally, and the Metra commuter rail offers service to downtown Chicago. However, most residents still rely on personal vehicles to get around.
What is the job market like in Schaumburg?
Schaumburg has a robust job market, with major employers in sectors like retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. The city is home to the headquarters of Motorola Solutions and several large corporate offices. Many residents also commute to nearby employment hubs.