🇺🇸 Cost of Living in Chicago
How much you'll actually spend — not what travel blogs tell you
Monthly budget · Single · city center
$3,365/mo
Just you and your questionable life decisions
The real monthly damage
Rent — the biggest line item
Source: Numbeo. Prices in USD unless toggled.
Grocery prices — the supermarket reality check
Eating out — because you won't cook every night
Getting around — or trying to
30-day trial run
What a month-long scouting trip costs before you commit to anything permanent.
Chicago vs. similar cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Chicago?▼
A single person can expect to spend about $3,365/month in Chicago, including rent in the city center, groceries, transport, and utilities. Couples need roughly $4,110/month.
What is the average salary in Chicago?▼
The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Chicago is about $4,775, according to Numbeo data.
Is Chicago expensive compared to other cities?▼
Compared to similar cities: Seattle ($3,728/mo), Honolulu ($3,936/mo), Los Angeles ($4,018/mo), Vancouver ($2,859/mo), Phoenix ($2,877/mo). Chicago comes in at $3,365/mo for a single person.
Cost data sourced from Numbeo. Updated periodically.