Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/22/2025
DeKalb, Illinois, blends a vibrant college-town atmosphere with a welcoming Midwestern community, making it an attractive destination for renters ranging from students to young professionals and growing families. The city’s historic downtown corridor offers walkable streets lined with boutique shops, cafés, and cultural venues, while the nearby Northern Illinois University campus adds a lively academic pulse. Residents enjoy easy access to parks such as Kleberg Park and the scenic Fox River Trail, as well as popular neighborhoods like College Park, South Hill, and Whitney, each providing a distinct blend of character and convenience. Whether you prefer the energy of a downtown apartment or the spacious feel of a suburban house, DeKalb’s diverse housing stock accommodates a wide range of lifestyles.
The rental market reflects this variety, with studio apartments typically priced in the $800 range and one‑bedroom units comfortably sitting in the $1,000 range. Two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments often fall between $1,100 and $1,400, while larger four‑plus bedroom units can approach the $1,600 level. For those seeking a house, two‑bedroom homes generally rent around $1,100, three‑bedroom properties near $1,900, and four‑plus bedroom homes exceed $2,400, offering ample space for families. These price tiers, combined with DeKalb’s convenient amenities, strong local schools, and easy commutes to nearby Chicago suburbs, make the city a compelling choice for anyone looking to settle in a thriving, well‑connected Illinois community.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $796 | $730 | $575 - $1,400 | $698 - $795 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,020 | $1,019 | $635 - $1,450 | $870 - $1,189 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,107 | $1,072 | $725 - $1,908 | $900 - $1,225 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,137 | $1,175 | $779 - $1,415 | $1,040 - $1,250 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $1,471 | $1,457 | $1,040 - $2,010 | $1,215 - $1,650 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $1,148 | $1,100 | $850 - $1,495 | $850 - $1,495 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $1,916 | $1,675 | $1,100 - $3,200 | $1,350 - $2,500 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $2,426 | $2,302 | $1,900 - $3,200 | $2,200 - $3,200 |
In the current period, the average rent in DeKalb was $782 for Studio, $1,002 for 1 Bedroom, $1,111 for 2 Bedroom, $1,325 for 3 Bedroom, and $1,946 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.