Price data · checked November 2, 2026
What event rentals really cost in Chicago
We compared the published prices of 6 Chicago-area rental companies for 26 items that every company describes the same way. On average the highest price was 45% above the lowest for the exact same item. A gold Chiavari chair runs from $6.75 to $10.85 each, depending on who you call.
What we found
The same item, very different prices
- rental companies compared
- 6
- rental companies compared
- like-for-like items
- 26
- like-for-like items
- average gap, highest vs lowest
- 45%
- average gap, highest vs lowest
- gap on a basic 100-guest order
- $310
- gap on a basic 100-guest order
- The biggest gap was on the cotton candy machine: $55 at the lowest and $103 at the highest, 87% more.
- 5 companies list a gold Chiavari chair. For 150 guests that is $1,012.50 at the lowest rate and $1,627.50 at the highest, before delivery.
- A basic 100-guest setup (100 white plastic folding chairs, 13 8 ft banquet tables, 13 90x132" banquet tablecloths, 100 cloth napkins) costs $722.50 at the lowest listed prices and $1,032.75 at the highest.
- Napkins, chair sashes and stanchions cost about the same everywhere. Folding chairs, china plates and party machines like cotton candy makers had some of the largest gaps.
Chart
How much more the highest price is than the lowest
- Cotton candy machine87%
- White plastic folding chair80%
- Speaker's podium71%
- China salad plate69%
- China bread plate69%
- Clear Chiavari chair63%
- Nacho cheese warmer63%
- 8 ft projection screen62%
- Gold Chiavari chair61%
- White resin garden chair56%
- Snow cone machine55%
- China dinner plate47%
- White Chiavari chair40%
- Silver Chiavari chair38%
- Popcorn machine37%
- 90" round tablecloth36%
- 72" round table35%
- 6 ft banquet table33%
- Hot dog steamer33%
- 8 ft banquet table30%
- 90x156" banquet tablecloth30%
- 90x132" banquet tablecloth27%
- 20x20 frame tent25%
- Chair sash15%
- Cloth napkin13%
- Chrome stanchion with belt1%
Full table
Prices by item
| Item | Companies | Lowest | Median | Highest | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairs | |||||
| Gold Chiavari chair (each) | 5 | $6.75 | $8.00 | $10.85 | 61% |
| Silver Chiavari chair (each) | 2 | $7.85 | $9.35 | $10.85 | 38% |
| White Chiavari chair (each) | 4 | $7.85 | $9.43 | $11 | 40% |
| Clear Chiavari chair (each) | 2 | $8.00 | $10.53 | $13.05 | 63% |
| White plastic folding chair (each) | 3 | $2.25 | $3.50 | $4.05 | 80% |
| White resin garden chair (each) | 3 | $4.50 | $6.95 | $7.00 | 56% |
| Tables | |||||
| 72" round table (each) | 2 | $15.50 | $18.25 | $21 | 35% |
| 6 ft banquet table (each) | 2 | $10.50 | $12.25 | $14 | 33% |
| 8 ft banquet table (each) | 2 | $11.50 | $13.25 | $15 | 30% |
| Linens | |||||
| 90" round tablecloth (each) | 2 | $9.25 | $10.93 | $12.60 | 36% |
| 90x132" banquet tablecloth (each) | 2 | $21 | $23.88 | $26.75 | 27% |
| 90x156" banquet tablecloth (each) | 2 | $24 | $27.55 | $31.10 | 30% |
| Cloth napkin (each) | 2 | $0.75 | $0.80 | $0.85 | 13% |
| Chair sash (each) | 2 | $2.00 | $2.15 | $2.30 | 15% |
| Dinnerware | |||||
| China dinner plate (each) | 2 | $0.75 | $0.93 | $1.10 | 47% |
| China salad plate (each) | 2 | $0.65 | $0.88 | $1.10 | 69% |
| China bread plate (each) | 2 | $0.65 | $0.88 | $1.10 | 69% |
| Tents | |||||
| 20x20 frame tent (per event) | 2 | $400 | $450 | $500 | 25% |
| Party machines | |||||
| Popcorn machine (per event) | 3 | $75 | $85 | $103 | 37% |
| Cotton candy machine (per event) | 3 | $55 | $85 | $103 | 87% |
| Snow cone machine (per event) | 2 | $55 | $70 | $85 | 55% |
| Hot dog steamer (per event) | 2 | $97 | $113 | $129 | 33% |
| Nacho cheese warmer (per event) | 2 | $79 | $104 | $129 | 63% |
| Event extras | |||||
| Speaker's podium (per event) | 2 | $35 | $47.50 | $60 | 71% |
| 8 ft projection screen (per event) | 2 | $50 | $65.50 | $81 | 62% |
| Chrome stanchion with belt (each) | 2 | $28 | $28.13 | $28.25 | 1% |
How we did it
Method
On November 2, 2026 we read the public price lists and online stores of 6 rental companies that deliver in Chicago and the suburbs. We kept an item only when at least two companies list it and every listing describes the same thing: same size, same material, same basic style. Where one company lists an item twice, we used its lower price.
Prices are per item for one event day, as listed. They leave out delivery, setup, damage waivers, tax, minimum order amounts and our own 10% fee. The median is the middle price when two or more companies list the item. Small differences in what is included (a seat pad, a color choice) can explain part of a gap, and we note those in the FAQ below.
Want the delivered price for your own date? Our rental cost guides show full price ranges by category, and the quote builder adds delivery and tax for your town.
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Use this data
Suggested credit
Beyond Chiavari, "Chicago Event Rental Price Index 2026," prices checked November 2, 2026, https://beyondchiavari.com/data/chicago-rental-prices
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<a href="https://beyondchiavari.com/data/chicago-rental-prices">Chicago Event Rental Price Index 2026</a> (Beyond Chiavari)Writing about wedding or party costs in Chicago and need a number we don't show? Email hello@beyondchiavari.com or see our press page.
FAQ
Questions about the price index
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Do these prices include delivery and tax?
Why don't you name the rental companies?
Why is the gap so big on some items?
Can I use this data in an article or on my website?
How often is the index updated?
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