Cost of Living in Chicago
The cost of living in Chicago is typically higher than the national average, driven largely by housing costs and high sales taxes. However, it remains a relatively affordable alternative to other major coastal hubs, offering a high-density urban lifestyle with a robust public transit system.
Overview text is model-generated; see the note below.
Report an issue with this estimate
Monthly Cost Estimate
excluding rent
including 1-bedroom rent
Single person in Chicago. Totals are the sum of the category ranges below (low ends added together, high ends added together), so a real budget usually falls somewhere in between.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Housing & Rent
$1,650 – $2,600
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center versus residential neighborhoods.
Food & Groceries
$450 – $750
Monthly grocery shopping and periodic dining at mid-range restaurants.
Transportation
$110 – $250
CTA 'L' train/bus passes, gas, and occasional rideshares like Uber or Lyft.
Utilities
$300 – $600
Basic electricity, heating, water, and high-speed internet.
Healthcare
$350 – $600
Average cost for private health insurance premiums and routine co-pays.
Entertainment
$200 – $450
Gym memberships, movie tickets, and Chicago's vibrant nightlife and dining scene.
Build your own monthly budget
Starts at the midpoint of each estimate for Chicago. Type your own amounts to see your total and annual figure. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Estimate: $1,650 – $2,600
Estimate: $450 – $750
Estimate: $110 – $250
Estimate: $300 – $600
Estimate: $350 – $600
Estimate: $200 – $450
Yearly: $4,155 × 12 = $49,860. Excludes taxes, debt payments, savings, childcare, education, car ownership and one-off costs such as deposits or moving.
New to ranges? Read how to turn these estimates into a personal budget.
Comfortable Living
Estimated monthly spending for a comfortable lifestyle in Chicago, with regular dining out and leisure:
Including rent • Single person • Excludes income tax and savings • A separate model estimate, not derived from the category totals above
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago
The first answer is calculated from the figures on this page. The others are model-generated text; answers that quoted older dollar figures are hidden so they cannot contradict the totals above.