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Cost of Living in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, United States · Population 8,609,571

▲ +23% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,635
Couple, monthly$2,994
Family of four, monthly$3,959

Estimated Prices in Chicago

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$14.40per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$57.60per meal
Cappuccino$4.32each
Monthly groceries (single person)$326per month
Monthly public transport pass$52.80per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$139per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$40.32per month
Fitness club membership$40.32per month
Cinema ticket$10.56each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$971per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$675per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$2,026per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Chicago is $4,992 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,635 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $2,126 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($675) represents about 41% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Chicago

Chicago vs New YorkChicago vs Los AngelesChicago vs MiamiChicago vs HoustonChicago vs DallasChicago vs Philadelphia

Nearby Cities

Cicero

6 km away · Illinois

Berwyn

9 km away · Illinois

Oak Park

10 km away · Illinois

Riverside

11 km away · Illinois

Forest Park

11 km away · Illinois

Lyons

11 km away · Illinois

Summit

12 km away · Illinois

Burbank

12 km away · Illinois

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Washington

District of Columbia · pop. 5,230,370

$1,635 / mo

Living in Chicago

Chicago is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,635, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $675 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,959 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,994 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Chicago is $4,992. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $2,126 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,635 per month in Chicago including rent outside the city centre. That is 23% more than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Chicago?
A net salary of around $2,126 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Chicago with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Chicago is $4,992.
How much is rent in Chicago?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $971 per month in the city centre and $675 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,026.
Is Chicago cheaper than United States on average?
No — Chicago is estimated to be about 23% more expensive than the United States average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Chicago?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $326 in Chicago. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $14 and a cappuccino runs around $4.
How do transport costs in Chicago compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Chicago is estimated at $53. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Chicago are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 8,609,571). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.