Cicero is considered relatively affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,250 per month and grocery costs slightly below the national average.
Imagine you’re Sarah, a 28-year-old nurse who just accepted a job offer at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn. Excited to start her new position, Sarah begins apartment hunting in nearby Cicero. She tours a few tidy 2-bedroom units in the $1,100 to $1,400 range—a bit higher than she expected but still manageable on her salary. Sarah starts mapping out her monthly budget, factoring in not just rent but utilities, groceries, transportation and other expenses. Let’s take a closer look at what it really costs to live comfortably in Cicero in 2025.
Housing Costs in Cicero
Housing is typically the biggest expense for Cicero residents. In 2025, you can expect to pay around $1,250 per month for a decent 2-bedroom apartment. Prices tend to be a bit lower in South Cicero and slightly higher in neighborhoods like Hawthorne and Drexel Park that border Oak Park and Berwyn.
If you’re looking to purchase a home, a 3-bedroom single-family house in Cicero averages around $325,000 in 2025. Again, exact prices vary by neighborhood, with homes in North Cicero near Roosevelt Road often selling for over $350,000 while South Cicero properties are generally more affordable.
Some typical housing costs in Cicero:
- Studio apartment: $850-$1,000/month
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,000-$1,200/month
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,100-$1,400/month
- 3-bedroom house: $1,800-$2,200/month to rent, $300K-$375K to buy
Utilities and Energy Bills
In addition to rent or a mortgage, Cicero residents need to budget for monthly utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash service. Costs vary based on your home size, energy usage and the season, but here are some general estimates for 2025:
- Electricity: $80-$150/month
- Natural gas: $50-$120/month
- Water/sewer/trash: $50-$80/month
- Internet: $50-$80/month
Keep in mind that electricity bills tend to spike in the summer due to air conditioning costs. Many Cicero homes are older and less energy-efficient, so budget a bit extra if you live in an aging property. Typical utility costs for a 2-bedroom apartment average around $250/month.
Groceries and Food
Grocery costs in Cicero are fairly reasonable, running slightly below the national average. Plan on spending around $300-$400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $800-$1,000 for a family of four.
Here’s what a typical grocery trip might cost:
| 1 gallon milk | $3.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.25 |
| 12 eggs | $2.50 |
| 1 lb chicken breast | $3.75 |
| 2 lbs bananas | $1.80 |
Eating out at a casual restaurant in Cicero costs around $12-$18 per person. Fast food meals average $8-$10. If you dine out a few times a week, add $200-$300 per person to your monthly food budget.
Taxes and Fees
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%. Cicero’s sales tax rate is 10%, which includes state, county and local taxes.
If you own a home in Cicero, expect to pay around 2.5% of your property’s assessed value in annual taxes. For a $325,000 house, that equates to just over $8,000 per year or $675 per month.
Vehicle registration fees in Illinois are $151 per year in 2025. If you park on the street, budget another $25-$100 annually for a vehicle sticker, depending on the type of car.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,250 | $1,250 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $200 | $250 | $350 |
| Groceries | $350 | $600 | $900 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Total | $2,550 | $3,400 | $5,000 |
To live comfortably in Cicero, aim for a monthly gross (pre-tax) income of at least $3,200 as a single person, $4,200 as a couple or $6,200 for a family of four. These figures allow some room for discretionary spending and savings in addition to covering basic necessities.
Lifestyle Considerations
Cicero offers a good balance of affordability and convenience. While housing costs are lower than in neighboring Oak Park or Chicago proper, Cicero is still an easy commute to downtown via the Pink Line or Metra.
Compared to trendier nearby suburbs, Cicero provides more space for the money. You can find move-in ready 3-bedroom houses for under $350,000, whereas a similar home might cost over $500,000 in Oak Park.
That said, many of Cicero’s homes and apartment buildings are older, so you may need to budget more for utilities and maintenance than you would in a newer property. Cicero also has fewer amenities like parks, restaurants and shopping than some pricier suburbs, so consider your lifestyle priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Cicero?
To live comfortably in Cicero, aim for a monthly pre-tax income of at least $3,200 as a single person, $4,200 as a couple or $6,200 for a family of four. This factors in housing, food, transportation and healthcare.
Is Cicero cheaper than living in Chicago?
Yes, Cicero is generally more affordable than Chicago, especially when it comes to housing. You can rent a 2-bedroom for around $1,250 in Cicero, whereas a similar apartment in Chicago proper might cost $1,800 or more.
How much is the average electric bill in Cicero?
Electricity costs in Cicero average $80 to $150 per month, depending on your home size and energy usage. Bills may be higher in the summer due to air conditioning.
Are property taxes high in Cicero?
Cicero’s property tax rate is around 2.5% of a home’s assessed value, which is fairly typical for Cook County. On a $325,000 house, expect to pay about $8,000 annually or $675 per month.
What’s the sales tax rate in Cicero?
As of 2025, the total sales tax rate in Cicero is 10%, which includes state, county and local taxes. This is slightly higher than the 9.5% rate in Chicago proper.
Is Cicero a good place for families?
Cicero can be a good choice for budget-conscious families. Housing costs are reasonable, and you can get more space than in pricier nearby suburbs. However, the town has limited park space and other kid-friendly amenities compared to some other areas.
What’s the job market like in Cicero?
Healthcare and manufacturing are major industries in Cicero, with employers like MacNeal Hospital and Corey Steel Company. Many residents also commute to Chicago for work. Unemployment in Cicero is slightly higher than the national average as of 2025.