What makes a Illinois rent-to-own market 'cheap'?

Low estimated monthly payment relative to local incomes. Sub-$1,500/month markets are the most accessible.

Are option fees included?

We assume 10% option fee credited toward purchase; the monthly payment estimate excludes that up-front amount.

Does this guarantee a home at this price?

No. Listings vary; this is a market-level estimate to compare cities side-by-side.

Buyer authority IL

Cheapest rent-to-own markets in Illinois.

Rent-to-own works best where monthly carrying costs are reachable on a typical household income. This ranks Illinois by estimated monthly payment on a median-priced home with a 10% option fee.

Last updated November 2026

Illinois ranking

50 cities ranked. Click any row for the matching local page.

#	City	Est. monthly payment	Score
1	East Saint Louis	$1,315/mo	85	View →
2	North Chicago	$1,315/mo	85	View →
3	Macomb	$1,363/mo	84	View →
4	Murphysboro	$1,372/mo	84	View →
5	Markham	$1,355/mo	84	View →
6	West Frankfort	$1,355/mo	84	View →
7	Harvey	$1,388/mo	83	View →
8	Rock Falls	$1,412/mo	83	View →
9	Rantoul	$1,404/mo	83	View →
10	Benton	$1,388/mo	83	View →
11	Fairfield	$1,396/mo	83	View →
12	Du Quoin	$1,412/mo	83	View →
13	Riverdale	$1,444/mo	82	View →
14	Centralia	$1,420/mo	82	View →
15	Herrin	$1,444/mo	82	View →
16	Decatur	$1,468/mo	81	View →
17	Kewanee	$1,460/mo	81	View →
18	Monmouth	$1,468/mo	81	View →
19	Steger	$1,476/mo	81	View →
20	Litchfield	$1,452/mo	81	View →
21	Beardstown	$1,468/mo	81	View →
22	Galesburg	$1,500/mo	80	View →
23	Canton	$1,516/mo	80	View →
24	Paris	$1,508/mo	80	View →
25	Olney	$1,508/mo	80	View →
26	Metropolis	$1,500/mo	80	View →
27	East Alton	$1,500/mo	80	View →
28	Pinckneyville	$1,500/mo	80	View →
29	Silvis	$1,516/mo	80	View →
30	Shelbyville	$1,492/mo	80	View →
31	Calumet City	$1,548/mo	79	View →
32	Blue Island	$1,532/mo	79	View →
33	Streator	$1,548/mo	79	View →
34	Chicago Ridge	$1,548/mo	79	View →
35	Wood River	$1,524/mo	79	View →
36	Chester	$1,540/mo	79	View →
37	Freeport	$1,572/mo	78	View →
38	Maywood	$1,572/mo	78	View →
39	East Moline	$1,564/mo	78	View →
40	Park Forest	$1,572/mo	78	View →
41	Mattoon	$1,556/mo	78	View →
42	Harrisburg	$1,580/mo	78	View →
43	Summit Argo	$1,564/mo	78	View →
44	Salem	$1,572/mo	78	View →
45	River Grove	$1,572/mo	78	View →
46	Dekalb	$1,596/mo	77	View →
47	Kankakee	$1,612/mo	77	View →
48	Alton	$1,612/mo	77	View →
49	Charleston	$1,596/mo	77	View →
50	Mount Vernon	$1,588/mo	77	View →

Methodology

Estimated monthly payment = (median home price × 0.9) amortized at 8% over 30 years + 1.2% taxes + 0.5% insurance, divided by 12. Lower payment = better rent-to-own market.

FAQ

What makes a Illinois rent-to-own market 'cheap'?: Low estimated monthly payment relative to local incomes. Sub-$1,500/month markets are the most accessible.
Are option fees included?: We assume 10% option fee credited toward purchase; the monthly payment estimate excludes that up-front amount.
Does this guarantee a home at this price?: No. Listings vary; this is a market-level estimate to compare cities side-by-side.