Cost to Furnace Replacement in Chicago, IL

$2,950–$8,850 in Chicago

18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier

In Chicago, a furnace replacement runs $2,950 to $8,850 on average — about 18% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.

Cost Breakdown in Chicago

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per sq ft of home	$2	$3	$5
Materials	$1,652	$2,596	$4,720
Labor	$1,416	$2,006	$2,714
Permits	$236	$354	$472
Total	$3,304+18% vs. national avg	$5,310+18% vs. national avg	$8,850+18% vs. national avg

Budget

80% AFUE single-stage gas furnace, basic brand (Goodman or Amana), direct replacement with existing ductwork and venting

Mid-Range

90-95% AFUE two-stage gas furnace, mid-tier brand (Rheem, Trane, or Carrier), standard installation with smart thermostat

Premium

97-98% AFUE modulating variable-speed gas furnace, premium brand (Lennox or American Standard), with zoning controls and whole-house humidifier

Material Options

Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Single-Stage Gas Furnace (80% AFUE)	$2,000 - $3,500 installed	Lowest upfront cost, simple and reliable, fewer parts to fail	Highest operating costs, louder operation, less even heating	Mild climates, budget-focused homeowners, homes with high ceilings or poor insulation where efficiency gains are minimalLowest upfront cost, simple and reliable, fewer parts to fail
Two-Stage Gas Furnace (90-96% AFUE)	$3,500 - $5,500 installed	Good balance of cost and efficiency, quieter on low stage, more even temperatures	Higher upfront cost, requires PVC venting	Most homeowners in cold climates, the sweet spot of cost vs. performanceGood balance of cost and efficiency, quieter on low stage, more even temperatures
Modulating Gas Furnace (97-98% AFUE)	$5,500 - $8,500 installed	Lowest operating costs, whisper-quiet, ultra-even heating, best humidity control	Highest upfront cost, more complex repairs, longer payback period	Cold climates with high heating bills, homeowners planning to stay 10+ yearsLowest operating costs, whisper-quiet, ultra-even heating, best humidity control
Oil Furnace (83-87% AFUE)	$3,000 - $6,000 installed	Produces very hot air, works in areas without natural gas	Higher fuel costs, requires oil storage tank, more maintenance	Rural areas without natural gas service, Northeast homes with existing oil infrastructureProduces very hot air, works in areas without natural gas
Electric Furnace	$1,500 - $3,500 installed	Lowest upfront cost, no combustion or venting, 100% efficient at point of use	Very high operating costs in most areas, slow to heat	Mild climates with low heating needs, areas with very cheap electricity, supplemental heatingLowest upfront cost, no combustion or venting, 100% efficient at point of use

Other Projects in Chicago

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Basement Finishing

Back to national average for Furnace Replacement

Chicago Estimate

Typical Range

$2,950–$8,850

vs. National Average

18% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.18x

Cost Per sq ft of home

$2–$5

Estimates apply Chicago's 1.18x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →