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Cost of Living in Chicago for Students & Family in 2025

The third-largest city in the US, Chicago, is a melting pot of cultures thanks to immigrant settlements and high-value industries. Not only is Chicago a great city for new opportunities, but also a great place for families, bachelors, and students. The cost of living in Chicago can be high; however, a little planning can help you settle comfortably in the city.

Read on to get in-depth knowledge of the city of Chicago and the cost of living there.

Team Digit

Average Cost of Living in Chicago
Factors Determining the Cost of Living
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living
Cost of Living in Chicago vs Other Cities
Important Things to Know
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of Living in Chicago?

The cost of living in Chicago is dependent on various aspects like lifestyle, residence, and personal expenses.

Check out the table below to know more about the average cost of living in Chicago for bachelors, students, and families.

Area of Expense	Cost
Rent	$1,500 - $4,600
Entertainment	$15 - $100
Groceries	$200 - $250
Transport	$75 - $100
Utilities	$165 - $250
Schooling of children	$2,475 - $42,300

Cost of Living in Chicago for Bachelors

The cost of living in Chicago for single folks typically includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses. This varies significantly on locality, lifestyle choices, and spending habits. The following table highlights some of the important costs:

Area of Expense	Bachelors
Accommodation	$1,500 - $2,400
Groceries	$200 - $250
Transport	$75 - $100
Utilities	$165 - $280
Entertainment and Shopping	$50 - $100
Housemaid	Starts from $42 per hour
Wi-Fi	$58.00
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	$75.00
Miscellaneous	$20 - $100

Cost of Living in Chicago for Students

Chicago has many premier institutions for education. Expenses of students can range from $2,500 - $3,000 which covers rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses. The following table elaborates some of the important costs:

Area of Expense	Students
Rent (shared apartment)	$725 - $2,000
Rent (single room PG)	$900 - $2,600
Food (monthly)	$200 - $250
Transportation (monthly)	$75 - $100
Utilities (monthly)	$165 - $280
WiFi	$58.00
Miscellaneous	$20 - $80
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	$75.00

Cost of Living in Chicago for a Family

The city provides various accommodation options. You can opt to stay in an apartment or a stand-alone house. Family expenses also include educational costs and extracurricular activities for children, which increase the monthly budget.

Area of Expense	Families
Accommodation	$2,950 - $4,600
Groceries & Food	$600 - $700
Transport	$230 - $300
Utilities	$165 - $280
Entertainment & Shopping	$75 - $300
Education & Daycare	$2,475 - $42,300
Housemaid	Starts from $42 per hour
WiFi	$58.00
Miscellaneous	$100 - $300

Cost of Living in Chicago for Couples

The cost of living for couples in Chicago includes rent, utilities, monthly groceries, transportation, and personal expenses. Chicago is an expensive city, all these factors must be analysed to suit your budget. Refer to the table below for more details:

Area of Expense	Couples
1 BHK apartment for rent	$1,440 - $2,050
2 BHK apartment for rent	$2,475 - $3,420
Electricity bill	$165
Bus pass	$75 each
Wi-Fi	$58.00
Groceries	$400 - $500
Meal for two	$50.00
Housemaid	Starts from $42 per hour
Miscellaneous	$100 - $200

Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Chicago

There are several factors on which the cost of living in Chicago depends. Some of the most important ones are:

1. Accommodation

Chicago is a lovely city to reside in. From grand houses to modern apartments, the city offers a plethora of residences to choose from. You should choose a place to stay based on your budget, the people in your household, and your preference of locality.

Classification of Rentals	Price Range
1 BHK	$1,500 - $2,395
2 BHK	$2,475 - $3,420
3 BHK	$2,950 - $4,600
Paying Guest	$550 - $1,400

The table below highlights some localities in the city based on their affordability or cost. Keep reading to learn more.

Location	Category	Rent Per Month	Buying Cost Per sq.ft
Irving Park	Affordable	Starting $1,200	Starting $182
Pilsen	Affordable	Starting $1,184	Starting $271
Rogers Park	Affordable	Starting $1,318	Starting $218
Uptown Chicago	Affordable	Starting $1,370	Starting $167
Gold Coast	Posh	Starting $2,000	Starting $243
Lincoln Park	Posh	Starting $2,050	Starting $290
Lakeview	Posh	Starting $1,842	Starting $292
Streeterville	Posh	Starting $2,373	Starting $194
Hyde Park	Posh	Starting $1,650	Starting $200

2. Transportation

Chicago is one of the most expensive cities nationwide. Nonetheless, if you budget well, you can live here comfortably. Your monthly budget will vary significantly depending on the mode of transportation that is convenient for you.

Category	Approximate Cost
One-way ticket (public transport)	$3
Monthly pass (public transport)	$75
Price of diesel (as of 16th September)	$3.436 per gallon
Price of petrol (as of 16th September)	$3.692 per gallon
Rental bikes and scooters	Starts at $12.49 per hour
Cabs (minimum cost)	Starts at $3.25

3. Groceries

Chicago has plenty of grocery stores across many locations. Depending on your dietary requirements, eating habits, and taste palette, groceries will contribute significantly to your monthly budget. Below, you will find a table with the most common groceries and their prices:

Grocery	Price
Milk (regular) (1 litre)	$1
Fresh Bread (500g)	$4
Rice (white) (1kg)	$6
Eggs (regular) (1 dozen)	$4
Local Cheese (1kg)	$15.92
Chicken 1 kg (boneless)	$14.44
Apples (1kg)	$5.68
Banana (1kg)	$1.95
Oranges (1kg)	$4.80
Tomato (1kg)	$4.97
Potato (1kg)	$2.67
Onion (1kg)	$2.99
Lettuce (1 head)	$2.39

4. Utilities

An apartment is not a one-off expense. You will need to pay a certain amount each month for additional utilities like water, heating, cooling, and electricity. Depending on your type of residence, you may need to pay anything between $165 - $250 each month for these facilities.

Monthly Utilities	Price
Basic (heating, cooling, electricity, water) for a house	$165
Prepaid mobile bill	$56
Internet for cable, ADSL, unlimited data	$58

5. Entertainment

Due to the hectic work-life of individuals, Chicago has an enigmatic nightlife with restaurants, pubs, and bars for individuals to relax after a long day or week. Here are some ways to unwind and the cost of such activities.

Area of Expense	Approximate Cost
1 month gym membership	$73
1 morning cappuccino	$5
Tennis court rent for 1 hour	$20
Cinema (1 seat)	$15
Meal in an affordable restaurant (1 person)	$25.00
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant	$50.00
McMeal at McDonalds	$12.00

6. Childcare

Chicago is an expensive city to live in and raise a family. If your family consists of a child, you must calculate educational expenses as part of your monthly budget.

Schools and Childcare	Price
Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, monthly for 1 Child	$2,475
Primary schools	$1,050 - $2,700
International primary school, yearly for 1 child	$42,300

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Chicago

Following are some easy tips to help you reduce your cost of living in Chicago:

Buy a CTA pass. The Chicago Transport Association provides monthly passes for just $75, making daily rides cheap at $2.50. This would be a great way to save money if you plan to travel around the city multiple times a day.
The Chicago Tool Library is a gem for minor repairs or tasks around the house. Membership starts at merely $10. From kitchen appliances to handy tools, a membership would save you a ton of money, especially if you are new to the city.
Look out for free events. Museums and theatres often organise free events throughout the year for various programmes. Keeping an eye out for these events can be a great way to experience the art and culture of the city without burning a hole in your wallet.
Consider buying a bike. While Chicago has a fair amount of four-wheeler traffic, the city is bike-friendly. If your place of work is a short distance away from your apartment, consider purchasing a bike to save money on transport. It is also a great physical activity.
If you are an avid reader, look up public libraries in your area. Public libraries in Chicago have a vast selection of books and magazines, available both as physical copies and digital copies.

Cost of Living in Chicago vs Other Metro Cities

The cost of living in Chicago is, on average, higher than that of Dallas, Texas, whereas the cost of living in Chicago is lower than that of New York City. While transportation costs are lower than other metro cities, Chicago has a higher rent than most other cities in the nation. Los Angeles and New York City have a higher monthly estimate than Chicago for the cost of living index

Check out the table below for more details.

Area of Expense	Chicago($)	New York City ($)	Los Angeles ($)	San Francisco($)
Accommodation	1,500 - 4,600	3,100 - 6,400	2,200 - 4.250	2,700 - 5,700
Utilities	165 - 280	200 - 400	250 - 350	250 - 400
Groceries	200 - 300	200 - 300	300 - 450	200 - 400
Transportation	75 - 150	50 - 150	100 - 150	100 - 150
Dining Out	50 - 150	50 - 150	70 - 120	50 - 150
Entertainment	50 - 150	100 - 200	100 - 200	50 - 150
Education	2,000 - 5,000	1,600 - 4,000	1,100 - 5,700	1,900 - 3,500
Healthcare	75 - 200	50 - 250	75 - 200	50 - 150
Overall Cost	4,200 - 11,000	5,350 - 11.900	4,195 - 11,450	5,300 - 10,600
Overall Verdict	High	Very high	Very High	High

Important Things to Know Before Moving to Chicago

Here are a few vital points that will help you if you are planning to shift to Chicago.

Job Market and Economy

Finance and business make up a large chunk of the Chicago job market. The Information and Technology sector is also a significant contributor to the city’s economy. Corporate organisations have a decent pay scale, and their employees can live comfortably in the city.

Climate and Weather

Chicago has a near-perfect blend of all climates. From warm summers to chilly winters, the city faces extreme weather conditions annually. Alongside these, the city also experiences occasional showers of rain.

Accommodation Options

People in Chicago have a wide range of accommodation options. Each neighbourhood has its perks and features. Depending on your budget, you can opt for apartments, penthouses, condos, or houses.

Transportation Challenges

There is a large volume of cars on the street, especially in the Greater Chicago Region. On weekdays, traffic and congestion must be considered while travelling around the city.

Language and Communication

English is the most widely spoken language in Chicago. However, many people also speak Spanish, Mandarin, Polish, Urdu, Arabic, and Hindi.

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FAQs about the Cost of Living in Chicago

All

What is the average salary needed to live comfortably in Chicago?

Your cost of living in Chicago would depend on various factors like rent, groceries, transportation, and utilities. On average, you would need $4,300 each month to live in the city comfortably.

Is Chicago an expensive city?

Yes, Chicago is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Living in Chicago costs 39% more than the US national average.

Which city is more expensive, New York or Chicago?

New York City is significantly more expensive than Chicago. The prices of groceries, apartments, and utilities are higher in New York City.

Is a car essential to travel around Chicago?

No, a car is a luxury rather than a necessity in Chicago as the public transportation system is punctual and regular.

Is it easy to rent bikes in Chicago?

Yes, bikes are easily available to buy and rent in Chicago. Starting from $12.49 per hour, bike rentals include a helmet and a lock for your ease and convenience.

Is Chicago safe for bachelors and families?

Yes, the city is quite safe with a dedicated police force assigned for the protection of residents. Neighborhoods like Edison Park, Streeterville, Lincoln Park, and Lake View are some of the safest in the city.

How do I handle unexpected issues like medical needs or delays during a short trip to Chicago?

Chicago’s healthcare and accommodation costs are among the highest in the U.S. If you face a medical emergency, delay, or even something as common as lost luggage, expenses can escalate quickly. With travel insurance, you get access to emergency assistance and cost reimbursement, which helps keep your short stay enjoyable and within budget.