Cost of Living in Chicago, United States
United States · North America
Cost of Living in Chicago: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Chicago, United States is approximately $3,200 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 82, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$3,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
82
Cost Index
NYC = 100
80
Rent Index
NYC = 100
65
Quality of Life
Good
38
Safety Index
Below Average
2.7M
Population
USD
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $16 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $75 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $11 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $6 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7 |
| Cappuccino | $5.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $11 |
| Beef (1kg) | $15 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $105 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $31000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $120 |
| Mobile Plan | $60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $75 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,000/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,400/mo |
| 3BR Center | $4,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $7,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $4,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $5200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
Cost of Living in Chicago: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Chicago, United States, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $3,200. The city's cost of living index is 82, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Chicago
A typical monthly budget in Chicago includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Chicago
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $1,400 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $2,000. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $4,000 per month.
Average Salary in Chicago
The average net salary in Chicago is approximately $5,200 per month. Purchasing power is rated 86out of 100.
Is Chicago Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 82,Chicago is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Chicago
Safety
Chicago has a safety score of 38/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chicago is rated 74/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Chicago is 50/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Chicago has a purchasing power score of 86/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Chicago
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Chicago should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Chicago fits their monthly budget.
Is Chicago Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 82provides a useful benchmark when comparing Chicago with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Chicago
- Average Monthly Cost
- $3,200
- Cost Index
- 82
- Rent Index
- 80
- Average Net Salary
- $5,200
- Quality of Life
- 65/100
- Safety
- 38/100
- Healthcare
- 74/100
- Currency
- USD
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago
What is the cost of living in Chicago?
The estimated cost of living in Chicago, United States, is approximately $3,200 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Chicago?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $1,400 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $2,000.
Is Chicago expensive to live in?
Chicago has a cost index of 82 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Chicago?
The average net salary in Chicago is approximately $5,200 per month.
Is Chicago good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Chicago is suitable for relocation.