Cost of living in Chicago

Chicago, United States is Very expensive overall. Monthly costs are about $2667 for one person and $6807 for a family of four, including rent.

How expensive is Chicago compared to other cities?

Compared to the European benchmark, Chicago is 87% more expensive overall.

How does Chicago compare to your city?

Chicago is 60% more expensive than Columbus, without rent.

Rent in Chicago is, on average, 16% higher than in Columbus.

What drives the cost of living in Chicago?

Who is Chicago a good fit for?

Chicago tends to fit higher-income residents who can comfortably absorb housing costs. It can be challenging on a moderate budget, mainly due to rent and utilities.

FAQ

Why is Chicago so expensive?

The high cost of living in Chicago is primarily driven by elevated rent and utilities. These expenses significantly impact overall affordability.

Is food expensive in Chicago?

Yes, food costs are 47% higher than the European benchmark, contributing to the overall expense of living.

Is public transport affordable in Chicago?

No, public transport is 174% higher than the European benchmark, making it a costly option for residents.

Cost of living breakdown

Cost of Living, one person, including rent
2667 $
Without Rent
1087 $
Rent & Utilities
1579 $
Food
700 $
Transport
205 $
Monthly Salary, after tax
4901 $
GDP per Capita
81,695 $
Freedom Index
8.39
Lifespan
77 years
Speak English
96%
Population
2.8M

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Update Prices

Restaurants

Lunch menu, inexpensive restaurant 21 $
Dinner 87.3 $
Fast food, McDonalds or KFC 11.7 $
Beer, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz 7.62 $
Capuccino 5.4 $
Coke, 330ml 3.12 $

Compare Chicago with:

Markets

Milk, 1 L or 1 qt 1.02 $
Bread, 0.5 kg or 1 lb 3.92 $
Rice, 1 kg or 2 lb 5 $
Eggs, 12 pack 3.69 $
Cheese, 1 kg or 2 lb 14.8 $
Chicken Breast, 1 kg or 2 lb 12.8 $
Round Steak, 1 kg or 2 lb 19.9 $
Apples, 1 kg or 2 lb 4.97 $
Banana, 1 kg or 2 lb 1.91 $
Oranges, 1 kg or 2 lb 4.81 $
Tomato, 1 kg or 2 lb 4.56 $
Potato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb 2.34 $
Onion, 1 kg or 2.2 lb 3.08 $
Water, 1 L or 1 qt 1.93 $
Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 L or 67.6 fl oz 2.86 $
Wine, 750 mL bottle 14.8 $
Beer, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz 2.9 $
Cigarette pack 16.6 $

Transportation

One-way Ticket 2.49 $
Monthly Pass 76.5 $
Gas or Petrol, 1l or 0.26 gal 1.12 $
Taxi, 8 km 16.6 $

Personal Care

Doctor Visit, private clinic 126 $
Cold medicine, for 1 week 11.6 $
Hair Shampoo, 400 ml or 12 oz. 6.03 $
Toilet paper, 4 rolls 3.65 $
Toothpaste, 1 tube 1.81 $

Utilities per Month

1 person, electricity, heating, water & garbage 102 $
Family of 4, electricity, heating, water & garbage 156 $
Internet plan, +60 Mbps 59.1 $

Rent per Month

1 Bedroom Apartment, outside of center, 40 sq.m 1,280 $
3 Bedroom Apartment, outside of center, 85 sq.m 2,594 $
1 Bedroom Apartment, in city center, 40 sq.m 1,974 $
3 Bedroom Apartment, in city center, 85 sq.m 3,828 $

Buy Apartment Price

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment, in city center 3,554 $
Price per Square Meter to Buy House, in suburbs 3,158 $

Salaries and Financing

Average Monthly Net Salary, after tax 4,901 $
Mortgage Interest Rate, for 20 years fixed-rate 6.61%

Sports and Leisure

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 63.1 $
Cinema, 1 seat 15 $
Haircut 29.3 $

Clothing and Shoes

Brand Sneakers, mid-range, Nike or similar 95.5 $
Brand Jeans, Levis 501 62.2 $

Childcare

Preschool, full day, monthly for 1 child 2,457 $
International Primary School, yearly for 1 child 19,423 $

Compare Chicago with other top cities

Cayman Islands
Chicago vs George Town (George Town is 37% more expensive)
Bahamas
Chicago vs Nassau (Nassau is 3% more expensive) Chicago vs Freeport (Freeport is 18% less expensive)
Vanuatu
Chicago vs Port Vila (Port Vila is 12% less expensive) Chicago vs Luganville (Luganville is 15% more expensive)
United States
Chicago vs New York City (New York City is 52% more expensive) Chicago vs Los Angeles (Los Angeles is 19% more expensive) Chicago vs Chicago (Chicago has similar costs) Chicago vs Houston (Houston is 16% less expensive) Chicago vs Phoenix (Phoenix is 11% less expensive) Chicago vs Philadelphia (Philadelphia is 5% less expensive) Chicago vs San Antonio (San Antonio is 18% less expensive) Chicago vs San Diego (San Diego is 25% more expensive) Chicago vs Dallas (Dallas is 4% less expensive) Chicago vs San Jose (San Jose is 38% more expensive)
Canada
Chicago vs Toronto (Toronto is 3% less expensive) Chicago vs Montreal (Montreal is 27% less expensive) Chicago vs Calgary (Calgary is 19% less expensive) Chicago vs Ottawa (Ottawa is 16% less expensive) Chicago vs Edmonton (Edmonton is 33% less expensive) Chicago vs Winnipeg (Winnipeg is 34% less expensive) Chicago vs Mississauga (Mississauga is 7% less expensive) Chicago vs Vancouver (Vancouver is 1% less expensive) Chicago vs Brampton (Brampton is 20% less expensive) Chicago vs Hamilton (Hamilton is 19% less expensive)
Barbados
Chicago vs Bridgetown (Bridgetown is 49% less expensive) Chicago vs Holetown (Holetown is 48% less expensive)
Panama
Chicago vs Panama City (Panama City is 48% less expensive) Chicago vs Colon (Colon is 56% less expensive) Chicago vs Tocumen (Tocumen is 54% less expensive) Chicago vs Santiago de Veraguas (Santiago de Veraguas is 60% less expensive) Chicago vs David (David is 69% less expensive) Chicago vs La Chorrera (La Chorrera is 64% less expensive) Chicago vs Balboa (Balboa is 53% less expensive) Chicago vs Pacora (Pacora is 53% less expensive) Chicago vs Chitre (Chitre is 59% less expensive) Chicago vs Penonome (Penonome is 59% less expensive)
Saint Kitts And Nevis
Chicago vs Basseterre (Basseterre is 53% less expensive) Chicago vs Cayon (Cayon is 53% less expensive)
Cuba
Chicago vs Havana (Havana is 62% less expensive) Chicago vs Santiago de Cuba (Santiago de Cuba is 47% less expensive) Chicago vs Holguin (Holguin is 52% less expensive) Chicago vs Camaguey (Camaguey is 43% less expensive) Chicago vs Santa Clara (Santa Clara is 61% less expensive) Chicago vs Bayamo (Bayamo is 56% less expensive) Chicago vs Guantanamo (Guantanamo is 42% less expensive) Chicago vs Las Tunas (Las Tunas is 42% less expensive) Chicago vs Pinar del Rio (Pinar del Rio is 59% less expensive) Chicago vs Cienfuegos (Cienfuegos is 67% less expensive)
Costa Rica
Chicago vs San Jose (San Jose is 54% less expensive) Chicago vs Limon (Limon is 55% less expensive) Chicago vs Liberia (Liberia is 66% less expensive) Chicago vs Alajuela (Alajuela is 54% less expensive) Chicago vs Puntarenas (Puntarenas is 52% less expensive) Chicago vs Cartago (Cartago is 64% less expensive) Chicago vs Heredia (Heredia is 53% less expensive) Chicago vs Tamarindo (Tamarindo is 37% less expensive) Chicago vs Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa is 51% less expensive)
Saint Lucia
Chicago vs Castries (Castries is 57% less expensive) Chicago vs Vieux Fort (Vieux Fort is 55% less expensive)
Jamaica
Chicago vs Kingston (Kingston is 50% less expensive) Chicago vs Spanish Town (Spanish Town is 71% less expensive) Chicago vs Montego Bay (Montego Bay is 62% less expensive) Chicago vs Half Way Tree (Half Way Tree is 56% less expensive) Chicago vs May Pen (May Pen is 69% less expensive) Chicago vs Mandeville (Mandeville is 63% less expensive) Chicago vs Old Harbour (Old Harbour is 68% less expensive) Chicago vs Linstead (Linstead is 61% less expensive) Chicago vs Savanna-la-Mar (Savanna-la-Mar is 58% less expensive) Chicago vs Port Antonio (Port Antonio is 57% less expensive)
El Salvador
Chicago vs San Salvador (San Salvador is 55% less expensive) Chicago vs Santa Ana (Santa Ana is 73% less expensive) Chicago vs Soyapango (Soyapango is 56% less expensive) Chicago vs San Miguel (San Miguel is 59% less expensive) Chicago vs Mejicanos (Mejicanos is 56% less expensive) Chicago vs Apopa (Apopa is 57% less expensive) Chicago vs Santa Tecla (Santa Tecla is 55% less expensive) Chicago vs Ahuachapan (Ahuachapan is 45% less expensive) Chicago vs Usulutan (Usulutan is 59% less expensive) Chicago vs Sonsonate (Sonsonate is 67% less expensive)
Antigua And Barbuda
Chicago vs St. John's (St. John's is 59% less expensive) Chicago vs All Saints (All Saints is 59% less expensive)
Grenada
Chicago vs St. George's (St. George's is 60% less expensive) Chicago vs Grenville (Grenville is 60% less expensive)
Dominica
Chicago vs Roseau (Roseau is 62% less expensive) Chicago vs Portsmouth (Portsmouth is 57% less expensive)
Saint Vincent
Chicago vs Kingstown (Kingstown is 63% less expensive) Chicago vs Georgetown (Georgetown is 62% less expensive)
Belize
Chicago vs Belize City (Belize City is 67% less expensive) Chicago vs San Ignacio (San Ignacio is 59% less expensive) Chicago vs Belmopan (Belmopan is 73% less expensive) Chicago vs San Pedro Town (San Pedro Town is 50% less expensive) Chicago vs Caye Caulker (Caye Caulker is 41% less expensive)
Guatemala
Chicago vs Guatemala City (Guatemala City is 62% less expensive) Chicago vs Mixco (Mixco is 76% less expensive) Chicago vs Coban (Coban is 66% less expensive) Chicago vs Quetzaltenango (Quetzaltenango is 71% less expensive) Chicago vs Jalapa (Jalapa is 66% less expensive) Chicago vs San Miguel Petapa (San Miguel Petapa is 66% less expensive) Chicago vs Momostenango (Momostenango is 67% less expensive) Chicago vs Mazatenango (Mazatenango is 67% less expensive) Chicago vs Flores (Flores is 68% less expensive) Chicago vs Panajachel (Panajachel is 70% less expensive)
Honduras
Chicago vs Tegucigalpa (Tegucigalpa is 69% less expensive) Chicago vs San Pedro Sula (San Pedro Sula is 61% less expensive) Chicago vs Choloma (Choloma is 78% less expensive) Chicago vs La Ceiba (La Ceiba is 76% less expensive) Chicago vs El Progreso (El Progreso is 67% less expensive) Chicago vs Villanueva (Villanueva is 68% less expensive) Chicago vs Comayagua (Comayagua is 73% less expensive) Chicago vs Puerto Cortes (Puerto Cortes is 73% less expensive) Chicago vs Yoro (Yoro is 72% less expensive) Chicago vs La Lima (La Lima is 67% less expensive)
Dominican Republic
Chicago vs Santiago de los Caballeros (Santiago de los Caballeros is 70% less expensive) Chicago vs Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo is 61% less expensive) Chicago vs Puerto Plata (Puerto Plata is 71% less expensive) Chicago vs Higuey (Higuey is 71% less expensive) Chicago vs La Vega (La Vega is 79% less expensive) Chicago vs San Cristobal (San Cristobal is 69% less expensive) Chicago vs San Pedro de Macoris (San Pedro de Macoris is 73% less expensive) Chicago vs San Francisco de Macoris (San Francisco de Macoris is 80% less expensive) Chicago vs San Juan de la Maguana (San Juan de la Maguana is 77% less expensive) Chicago vs Bonao (Bonao is 80% less expensive)
Nicaragua
Chicago vs Managua (Managua is 71% less expensive) Chicago vs Leon (Leon is 76% less expensive) Chicago vs Masaya (Masaya is 73% less expensive) Chicago vs Matagalpa (Matagalpa is 79% less expensive) Chicago vs Chinandega (Chinandega is 76% less expensive) Chicago vs Esteli (Esteli is 78% less expensive) Chicago vs Granada (Granada is 74% less expensive) Chicago vs Jinotega (Jinotega is 83% less expensive) Chicago vs Juigalpa (Juigalpa is 75% less expensive) Chicago vs San Juan del Sur (San Juan del Sur is 67% less expensive)