Are you considering a move to Chicago, Illinois, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Chicago, Illinois is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Chicago, Illinois and help you understand whether $4851 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5789.2.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
20.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
100.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
12.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
8.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
5.73 $ |
|
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Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
3.04 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.67 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.14 $ |
|
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Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.88 $ |
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
5.82 $ |
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Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.36 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
17.62 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
13.74 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
20.06 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
5.81 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
2.02 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
5.18 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
5.15 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
3.06 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
2.92 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
2.27 $ |
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.58 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.0 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.99 $ |
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.27 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
16.5 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.5 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
90.0 $ |
|
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Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
4.12 $ |
|
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Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.05 $ |
|
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Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
51.25 $ |
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Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.17 $ |
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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26500.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26558.33 $ |
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Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
184.8 $ |
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|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
75.01 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
88.69 $ |
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
11.44 $ |
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
15.0 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
2157.83 $ |
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International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
34250.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
65.42 $ |
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|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
52.91 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
105.75 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
141.89 $ |
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Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
2529.86 $ |
|
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Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1786.57 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
4602.17 $ |
|
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
3481.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
6981.86 $ |
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Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
5536.69 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5789.2 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
7.04 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Chicago, Illinois come to a total of approximately $4851. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2529 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $222 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1234 per month.
Living in Chicago, Illinois appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5789.2. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Chicago, Illinois, you would likely need an income exceeding $5789.2.
In Chicago, Illinois, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5789.2, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Chicago, Illinois is approximately $2529. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1786.57 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Chicago, Illinois can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $909 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a medium overall risk in Chicago, and some neighborhoods rise to high risk. Chicago is notorious for its gun violence and gang crimes, which are being fueled by increased gun crime across America and the nationwide opioid epidemic. While there are a lot of websites that might scare you away from Chicago, we just want to prepare you for a safe trip. However, even Conde Nast readers say Chicago is the Best Big City in the U.S. to visit.
You could spend a whole day learning all the ways to get around Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority oversees rail lines and bus routes throughout the city. You'll use the Metra Rail to get to the Chicago suburbs. Taxis and rideshares are waiting around the corner everywhere. You can also use a water taxi or rent a bicycle to see Chicago on two wheels.
There's a high risk of being pickpocketed or having a purse snatched in Chicago, with an average of 2500 happening a year. During COVID, the rates went down, but CTA has officially issued a pickpocket warning again in 2022. Pickpockets are always in the crowd waiting for a tourist to make one small mistake. They might bump you on a crowded street or go as far as to provide "help" while having another person waiting for your distraction to lead them right into your pocket.
This is a medium risk as Chicago can get severe weather, including tornadoes and massive winter storms. You should always have a weather app with notifications enabled and know where a safe place to go is in case of a tornado. Most hotels will have a designated area.
The robbery rate is more than three times the national average, and there's a medium risk it will happen to you. To lower your risk, stay off the streets at night. Never walk down an alley or side street. If you have a bad feeling about a group of people, move to the other side of the road or go into the nearest business. Should you be a robbery victim, don't fight back. Just do what you are told and remember as much as possible to be a good witness.
There's a high risk in Chicago as it's one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Ed Farrell told ABC7 in Chicago, "They're (terrorists) looking for events with mass casualties to further them. So that's why Chicago is such a priority." Chicago was on the original list of the 9/11 attacks, along with Los Angeles, added by Osama bin Laden himself. However, the list was whittled down to the New York and Washington targets. With this risk comes an abundance of Homeland Security and military oversight for the security and safety of residents and visitors.
Everyone has a hustle in Chicago, and there's a medium risk they will come after you. Scammers in Chicago can be brisk and pushy, so stand up to them and avoid anyone trying to sell you a ticket or trinket on the street. As much as you might want to help someone in need, you should assume anyone who is begging for help is really trying to scam you. It's a sad statement, but you've got to protect yourself in this urban jungle.
Women should proceed with medium risk and avoid going out by themselves - especially after dark. Staying in groups or pairs will give a better sense of safety and avoid making one person more of a target than another. Have a secret word you use with a friend if one of you feels uncomfortable and needs to leave. When enjoying the nightlife, you can ask the bartender for an Angel Shot. This is a signal that you are being harassed and need help. They will handle the situation from there.
The 2021 Water Quality Report shows all standards were met in all categories tested. The city also does more than 600,000 water analyses a year. You might read about the danger of lead in drinking water, and this is due to the pipes of a building or structure, not the water itself. The city is working to replace aging pipes. If you are staying at an older hotel, you might just want to use bottled water for drinking to be safe.
Start the U.S. visa process months ahead of time and check how long of a wait there is for an interview at the embassy. Some embassies are backed up for half a year. You'll need your visa at the airport upon arrival and departure, but you can freely travel throughout Chicago without having to show your visa.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar and don't bring a lot - if any - cash. There are too many pickpocketers around, and pulling out cash in public is just dangerous. Use a credit card or mobile pay app for all purchases. Don't throw receipts away in a public trash can.
You'll need all the winter clothing you can find as Chicago gets bone-chilling cold at times. While there isn't always snow on the ground, it happens enough that bringing snow boots is smart. Spring and fall have fluctuating temperatures, so wear layers. Summer will be hot and humid, so bring stylish but comfortable clothes that you can sweat in without ruining the fabric.
Chicago has two airports. O'Hare is the best option if you are traveling internationally. Midway is a great option for U.S. flights, but it does have international routes too. Both are very similar in distance and price to get to and from the city.
It doesn't make sense to practice all these great safety steps, but leave your trip unprotected. Travel insurance for flight security, driving issues, or health emergencies will give you one less thing to worry about while visiting Chicago.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 33°F | 36°F | 46°F | 57°F | 67°F | 77°F | 82°F | 80°F | 74°F | 62°F | 49°F | 37°F |
| Temp | 27°F | 30°F | 39°F | 49°F | 59°F | 70°F | 76°F | 75°F | 67°F | 55°F | 43°F | 32°F |
| Low | 22°F | 25°F | 34°F | 44°F | 54°F | 64°F | 70°F | 69°F | 61°F | 50°F | 38°F | 27°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 0°C | 2°C | 7°C | 13°C | 19°C | 25°C | 27°C | 26°C | 23°C | 16°C | 9°C | 2°C |
| Temp | -2°C | -1°C | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C | 21°C | 24°C | 23°C | 19°C | 12°C | 6°C | 0°C |
| Low | -5°C | -3°C | 1°C | 6°C | 12°C | 17°C | 21°C | 20°C | 16°C | 10°C | 3°C | -2°C |