When choosing between an apartment or house in Cicero, IL, the cost differences go beyond just rent or a mortgage payment. Let’s say you’re debating the merits of a cozy 2-bedroom apartment with an HOA that covers exterior upkeep vs. a charming 3-bedroom bungalow with a yard that you’ll need to maintain yourself. While the house may come with more space, it also comes with added costs like higher utility bills, lawn care, and repair expenses that can add up over time.
To help you weigh the financial and lifestyle factors, here’s a detailed look at the cost of living in an apartment vs. house in Cicero, including average rent, utilities, maintenance, and more.
Renting vs. Owning in Cicero: What You’ll Pay
In general, renting an apartment in Cicero tends to be more affordable than owning a house, at least in terms of monthly expenses. Renting a 2BR apartment in Cicero typically costs around $1,100/month, while a 3BR house may rent for closer to $1,800/month. Of course, exact prices vary based on the unit’s size, age, and location within the village.
For those looking to buy, the median home price in Cicero is around $250,000, which translates to a monthly mortgage of roughly $1,400 (assuming a 30-year fixed loan with 20% down). However, that doesn’t include additional costs like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance that come with homeownership.
Rental prices have been rising steadily in Cicero, though not as sharply as in Chicago proper. The average rent for a 3BR house in Cicero is $1,850/month. More affordable options can often be found in the Hawthorne and Morton Park neighborhoods, while pricier rentals cluster closer to the Metra stations for an easier commute downtown.
Table: Cost Comparison – Apartment vs House
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs* in Cicero:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | $1,100 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $120 | $250 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Renters/Home Insurance | $15 | $80 |
| Maintenance/Repairs | $0 | $170 |
| HOA | $200 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $2,365 |
*Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
In addition to rent, utility costs are often higher in a house vs. an apartment. Some key differences include:
- Water/sewer: Houses usually have higher water bills due to outdoor irrigation, more bathrooms, etc.
- Electricity: Larger square footage in houses means more space to heat, cool, and light.
- Gas: While many Cicero apartments include heat, houses often use more gas for furnaces, water heaters, stoves.
- Trash: Apartments typically include trash pickup in rent, but houses require a separate monthly fee.
Maintenance expenses are another significant cost factor. While apartment dwellers can usually rely on their landlord or HOA to handle repairs and upkeep, homeowners must budget for things like lawn care, snow removal, HVAC tune-ups, plumbing fixes, and appliance replacements. Many Cicero houses also have basements that may require extra humidity control in the summer months.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
Aside from hard costs, there are also lifestyle factors to consider when choosing between an apartment or house in Cicero. Houses generally offer more living space, yard access for kids and pets, and greater privacy. The tradeoff is often more home maintenance, a longer commute, and higher monthly expenses.
Apartments, while smaller, tend to be more affordable and lower-maintenance. Many Cicero residents choose apartments for the convenience of walking to nearby shops, restaurants, and parks. Newer complexes in Cicero often come with amenities like fitness centers and dog runs. However, apartment dwellers may have to contend with shared walls, pet restrictions, and limited outdoor space.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, family size, and personal preferences. Some may prefer the urban feel of an apartment steps from the Pink Line, while others value the extra elbow room and autonomy of a single-family home.
Which Is Cheaper Long Term in Cicero?
While renting is often cheaper than owning month-to-month, buying a home in Cicero could be more economical in the long run. Assuming a 1.5% annual rent increase, a 2BR apartment that costs $1,500/month today would run over $116,000 in total rent over a 5-year period.
In contrast, a $250,000 house with 20% down, a 4% interest rate, and 1.5% in annual maintenance/repair costs would cost around $98,000 in mortgage payments and upkeep over those same 5 years (not including utilities and taxes). Plus, the homeowner would likely build some equity over that period to help offset costs. Of course, these figures are just rough estimates — be sure to run the numbers for your specific situation.
FAQs About Housing Costs in Cicero
How much more does a house cost per month vs. an apartment in Cicero?
On average, a 3BR house in Cicero costs about $865/month more than a 2BR apartment when you factor in rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and upkeep. However, this premium can be lower or higher based on the specific property.
Do houses always have higher utility bills than apartments?
In general, yes. Houses in Cicero tend to have higher utility expenses due to their larger size, additional water/sewer needs, and costs for things like trash pickup that apartments often include.
I have a dog. Is it still cheaper to rent an apartment?
It depends. Many Cicero apartments charge pet rent or one-time fees that can add to your monthly expenses. However, the added costs of maintaining a yard for your pup could outweigh apartment pet fees. Be sure to ask about animal policies and crunch the numbers for your unique situation.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Cicero
As this comparison shows, apartments in Cicero tend to be significantly cheaper than houses on a monthly basis when you look at the full picture of rent, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. The median renter in Cicero pays around $1,500/month in total housing costs, while the typical homeowner shells out closer to $2,365/month (not including taxes).
Of course, these averages don’t tell the whole story. Homeownership often proves cheaper in the long run, and many are willing to pay a premium for the space, privacy, and flexibility that a house provides. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your household budget, family needs, and how long you plan to stay in Cicero.
No matter which path you choose, be sure to budget accordingly and give yourself some financial breathing room for unexpected housing expenses. For more tips on managing your monthly expenses in Cicero, check out our guide to average living costs. And if you’re leaning towards buying a home, don’t forget to factor in property taxes and HOA fees to get a full picture of your housing budget.