A STRETCH
On $100,000/yr, the typical $357,265 home in Chicago, IL needs $109,719/yr ($2,560/mo). Your gap: $-9,719 — housing would be 30.7% of your gross income.
The math
357,265 price − 10% down (35,727) = 321,538 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.95% on 321,538 = 2,128/mo principal+interest
+ 432/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
2,560/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 9,143/mo → 109,719/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-08 and the 6.95% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-09-17).
What salary WOULD clear Chicago, IL?
You need about $109,719/yr for the typical home. That's $9,719 more than $100,000.