Cost of Living in Chicago, United States

Chicago has a cost of living index of 75/100 (New York = 100). It is 25% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

75/100
Cost Index
$6,250/mo
Median Income
52/100
Safety Index
humid continental
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 68/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,368/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,709/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,686/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 58/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.28/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$2.91/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2/kg
Dining OutScore: 58/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$18/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$70/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$10/meal
TransportationScore: 52/100
Monthly Transit Pass$75/month
One-Way Ticket$2.5/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2/km
UtilitiesScore: 42/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$182/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$55/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$40/month
HealthcareScore: 62/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$150/visit
Dentist Visit$131/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$20/course
EntertainmentScore: 55/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$18/ticket
Theater Ticket$50/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 52/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$55/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$25/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 48/100
Haircut (Men)$26/cut
Haircut (Women)$46/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$6/bottle
ClothingScore: 58/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$70/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$45/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$100/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

940 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
78/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: River North, West Loop, Lincoln Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago cheap to live in?

Chicago has a cost of living index of 75/100, where New York = 100. It is 25% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,500–$2,100 per month.

How much does rent cost in Chicago?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Chicago costs approximately $2,368/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,709/month.

Is Chicago good for digital nomads?

Chicago has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 940 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Chicago?

The median net monthly salary in Chicago is approximately $6,250 USD. The income tax rate is around 28%.

How does Chicago compare to New York for cost of living?

Chicago (cost index 75) is 25% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $625/month by moving from New York to Chicago.

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