Chicago, United States
Live cost-of-living data for Chicago — rent, groceries, transport, healthcare and more, sourced and cross-checked by AI and refreshed regularly.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Each score runs 0–100, where higher means pricier. Representative prices shown per category.
Digital Nomad Profile
Best neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, West Loop, River North
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago cheap to live in?
Chicago has a cost of living index of 60/100, where New York = 100. It is 40% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $2,140–$2,996 per month.
How much does rent cost in Chicago?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Chicago costs approximately $2,471/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,746/month.
Is Chicago good for digital nomads?
Chicago has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 150 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $250/month. English proficiency is high.
What is the average salary in Chicago?
The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $4,800 USD. The income tax rate is around 4.95%.
How does Chicago compare to New York for cost of living?
Chicago (cost index 60) is 40% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,000/month by moving from New York to Chicago.
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Cities that cost about the same as Chicago
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