Cost Index: 107 · Average Cost

Cost of Living in Chicago

Median income in Chicago is $58,000/year ($4,833/month). Here is how to budget every dollar.

Average Rent in Chicago

$1,300

Studio

$1,700

1 Bedroom

$2,100

2 Bedrooms

Monthly Budget Breakdown: $4,833/month

How to allocate the median Chicago income of $58,000/year after taxes.

Housing

$1,700

35%

Food & Groceries

$480

10%

Transportation

$200

4%

Utilities

$180

4%

Healthcare

$240

5%

Entertainment

$290

6%

Personal & Other

$240

5%

Savings

$1,503

31%

Total

$4,833

100%

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Needs
$2,41750%
Wants
$1,45030%
Savings
$96620%
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Affordable Neighborhoods in Chicago

1

Rogers Park and Edgewater offer lakefront living at a fraction of Lincoln Park prices

2

Pilsen and Bridgeport have vibrant cultural scenes with affordable rents

3

Logan Square balances trendy dining with more reasonable housing costs

Money-Saving Tips for Chicago

$

Use a CTA Ventra unlimited pass ($75/month) for all bus and L train rides

$

Take advantage of Chicago's extensive free festival calendar in summer

$

Shop at Aldi, Pete's Fresh Market, or Devon Avenue for affordable groceries

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