Cost of Living in Chicago, IL [2025]

Considering a move to the Windy City? As of July 2025, living in Chicago will cost you about 5.7% more than the national average, mostly due to rising housing costs and utility bills.

Before moving, learn about the cost of living in Chicago to ensure you have a properly mapped-out budget.

As the largest city in the Midwest, Chicago is constantly welcoming newcomers. It boasts a relatively stable job market, a diverse mix of neighborhoods, lakefront living, and robust public transportation. While Chicago isn't exactly known for being cheap when compared to its fellow Midwestern cities—the cost of living there is 5.7% higher than the national average—it is a bargain compared to cities like New York (72.5% higher than the US average), Boston (50.8% higher than the US average), or Los Angeles (61.7% higher than the US average).

There's a Chicago neighborhood for everyone, whether you're looking for nightlife, a diverse cultural scene, or a quiet green space and a reprieve from the city bustle. Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Chicago—with all data updated as of July 2025—and how to plan your budget accordingly.

What Is the Cost of Living in Chicago, IL?

The average cost of living in Chicago is 5.7% higher than the national average, and the average single Chicago resident spends $4,300 a month to live in the city.

Sperling’s Best Places offers a cost of living in Chicago, IL, that is broken down by category as follows.

Remember that these figures represent a citywide average. The cost of living can vary drastically depending on where you choose to live in Chicago.

Higher Cost of Living Near Chicago

The area in Chicago with the highest cost of living is Winnetka, a town located in the ritzy North Shore, just north of the city. The cost of living in Chicago is 50.1% cheaper than in Winnetka.

Lower Cost of Living Near Chicago

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have Hodgkins, a small village in Cook County, Illinois. The cost of living in Chicago is 1.6% more expensive than in Hodgkins, Illinois.

What Is the Average Rent in Chicago, IL?

The Windy City's rents are slightly up this year by 4.7% to an overall median rate of $1,822. Still, depending on where you're moving from, rent in Chicago is affordable compared to many other U.S. metro areas.

How Much Is Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment in Chicago, IL?

Based on data compiled in our rent report, the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago as of July 2025 is $1,688.

How Much is Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Chicago, IL?

A two-bedroom apartment in Chicago has a median price of $1,838 as of July 2025.

How Much Is Housing in Chicago, IL?

Aspiring homeowners can expect to pay a median sales price of $350,000, according to Realtor.com, with homeowners spending around $2,295 a month on housing costs, including their mortgage. Of course, it all depends on where you want to purchase. Buying in downtown Chicago will be much more expensive than in the city's suburbs.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Chicago?

You can use the 50/30/20 rule to figure out how much you need to live in Chicago. For example, if your one-bedroom Chicago apartment rents for the median price of $1,822, that should only represent 30% of your monthly wages. Therefore, you would need to earn $6,073 a month or $72,876 a year to live in Chicago.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Chicago is currently $74,474, and a living wage of $24.42 an hour.

However, the living wage is defined as the minimum amount of money needed to live above the poverty threshold. In Chicago, the living wage is $24.42 an hour for a single individual without children who is employed full time. This excludes savings and discretionary expenses, such as dining out, entertainment, and vacations. Having roommates is a popular way to reduce costs and build a firmer financial cushion for an affordable lifestyle.

How Much Is Transportation in Chicago, IL?

Expect to spend approximately $8,001 per year on combined transportation costs, which include both car ownership and public transit costs as a single adult without children. For a family of three with two working adults and a child, this cost rises to $11,663 per year.

If you don't plan to travel by car, expect to pay $75 a month for a local monthly pass or $2.50 for a single one-way trip on the L train, run by the Chicago Transit Authority. You can also grab the L train to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport and get out of town with a $5 full fare.

For those living in the suburbs, Metra connects northeast Illinois to Chicago. Depending on your daily route, expect to pay between $75 and $135 for a monthly pass with unlimited rides.

How Much Are Groceries in Chicago, IL?

The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that a single adult without children who prepares their own meals and snacks spends around $4,656 per year on food.

If you want to enjoy the city's incredible food culture—ranging from Chicago-style pizza to Maxwell Street Polish sausage and fine dining—plan at least $22 per person for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $100.

How Much Is Child Care in Chicago, IL?

Like in all other states, child care is a significant monthly expense. With two caregivers working full time, the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that child care costs $12,544 for a single child and $23,330 for two annually. However, with creative solutions—think nanny shares, remote work arrangements, babysitting swaps with friends, or alternating work shifts with a partner—parents may reduce child care expenses.

How Much Is Health Care in Chicago, IL?

Health care is a crucial part of your budget for maintaining your health and accessing the medical care you need. MIT pulled data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to estimate typical health expenditure for Chicago residents. For a single, child-free working adult, that cost is $3,281 per year, rising to $8,846 annually for a family of three with two parents and one child.

How Much are Utilities in Chicago, IL?

You've got rent figured out, but how much do utilities cost? A basic utility bill that includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915-square-foot apartment averages around $181 per month in Chicago. You'll likely spend more on utilities during the winter months, which are cold and can be very, very snowy.

Additionally, a standard Internet package will increase the total monthly cost of utilities by approximately $68.80, while a phone plan with unlimited calling and 10 gigabytes of data will add $62.18. Together, the monthly utility bill totals $311.98.

Fitness and Entertainment

Fitness enthusiasts need extra room in their budget when living in Chicago. If you’re a gym-goer, prepare to shell out another $70.91 on monthly membership fees.

Theater, comedy, nightclubs, and live music keep Chicago's neighborhoods lively year-round. But if your preferred type of entertainment is going to the movies, that’ll cost you about $15 per ticket. That excludes money you spend at the concession stand for snacks and drinks.

Free Things to Do Around Chicago

Despite the relatively high cost of living in Chicago, there are still plenty of ways to reduce your budget by enjoying some of the free attractions and activities around the metro area. Culture lovers head to the historic Chicago Cultural Center for free programs year-round.

During temperate months, enjoy jogging or biking on the 18-mile Lakefront Trail for stunning views of Lake Michigan. You can even take a picnic to the Chicago Riverwalk to soak in the world-famous architecture along the Chicago River—look out for the sculpture-style Aqua Tower and the gleaming white Wrigley Building.

Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the few free zoos in the country. Take a stroll to see over 230 species of animals situated against the landscape of Lincoln Park.

How Much Are Taxes in Chicago, IL?

Some other expenses might surprise you when living in Chicago. Currently, the minimum combined sales tax rate for Chicago is 10.25%. Locals pay the highest combined tax rate in the country since a sales tax hike in 2016.

Other Expenses to Consider in Chicago

Chicago ranks as the second-most expensive city for parking in the United States. Expect to pay an hourly rate of $14-$30, according to SpotHero. However, you might be able to find metered parking for $2.50 to $7 per hour, if you're lucky.

If you plan to keep a car in the Windy City, look for an apartment complex that offers garage parking. That’ll reduce expenses and the hassle of digging out your car during the winter.

Speaking of winter, you'll also need to plan on buying a whole new wardrobe if you're moving from a warmer climate. Rain, snow, and wind are the norm around Chicago. The city requires heavy jackets, plenty of layers, boots, and umbrellas to minimize exposure to harsh weather.

If you do need to park your car on the street, it may experience additional wear and tear from severe weather and the chemicals used to melt snow along the roads.

Chicago's Job Market

The job market attracts newcomers looking for new opportunities and industries. Major companies, including McDonald's, United Continental, and Conagra Brands, all have headquarters in Chicago. The city is also home to offices for Big Tech names like Salesforce, Amazon, and Google, and there’s healthy demand for manufacturing, transportation, information technology, and health services jobs.

Looking for an Apartment in Chicago?

Chicago offers something for everyone, from career climbers to college students. Ready to pack up and move to the Windy City or a city near Chicago? Find your next Chicago apartment on Apartment List. If Chicago doesn't seem like the city for you, check out the best places to live in Illinois.

Get started with our quiz. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Chicago

How expensive is an apartment in Chicago?

As of July 2025, the overall median rent in Chicago is $1,822. A one-bedroom apartment costs a median of $1,688, and a two-bedroom costs $1,838.

What is the cheapest rent in Chicago?

A studio apartment is the cheapest rent you can get in Chicago, with the average rent sitting at $1,827, which is slightly more than the national average of $2,097.

How expensive is it to live in Chicago?

Our database shows that Chicago residents spend around $6,993 a month to live in the city.

How far is Milwaukee from Chicago?

Chicago is 92 miles north of Milwaukee. It takes approximately an hour and 46 minutes to get to Milwaukee from Chicago by car, depending on traffic. The Hiawatha Amtrak train, which runs between these cities, takes about an hour and a half, with limited stops along the way. Greyhound buses are also available.

How far is Chicago from Detroit?

Chicago is 283 miles from Detroit. It takes 4 hours and 22 minutes to get to Detroit from Chicago by car, depending on traffic. The Amtrak Wolverine train is a higher-speed passenger train that can make the trip in about five and a half hours.

How far is Chicago from New York?

Chicago is 789 miles away from New York City. By car, it takes between 12 and 13 hours to get there from Chicago. Amtrak trains can take you as far as Pittsburgh before you have to transfer to a Greyhound for the second half of the trip, which takes about 20 hours total. For that reason, most people prefer to fly between the cities—an easy two-hour trip.

How far is St. Louis from Chicago?

Chicago is 304 miles from St. Louis. That’s about four hours and 35 minutes by car and five hours via the Amtrak Lincoln Service line.

What is the population of Chicago?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Chicago is 2,746,388. It is the most populous city in the state of Illinois and the third-most populous city in the United States.

Is Chicago cheaper than New York?

Chicago is significantly cheaper than New York. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York sits at $5,075, while the average rent for a one-bedroom city apartment in Chicago is $2,290. That’s a 45% difference in average one-bedroom rents.

What is a good salary in Chicago?

According to the standard 50/30/20 rule, the recommended salary in Chicago is $6,073 per month or $72,876 annually. This total reflects a salary that would allow a renter to live comfortably and afford the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment, which sits at $1,822. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Chicago is currently $74,474.