Cost of Living in Chicago, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,279 (excluding rent), and $3,122 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,208 (excluding rent), and $6,210 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.32 $20.32

$14.87 $14.87

$34.69 $34.69

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.8 $99.8

$69.9 $69.9

$150 $150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.02 $12.02

$10.02 $10.02

$15.03 $15.03

Cappuccino

$5.53 $5.53

$3.9 $3.9

$7.8 $7.8

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.07 $3.07

$2.03 $2.03

$4.05 $4.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44 $2.44

$2.02 $2.02

$3.03 $3.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.19 $7.19

$4.11 $4.11

$9.25 $9.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.09 $8.09

$5.88 $5.88

$13.73 $13.73

Milk (1 liter)

$1.07 $1.07

$0.8 $0.8

$1.47 $1.47

White Bread (500g)

$3.99 $3.99

$2.24 $2.24

$5.73 $5.73

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.36 $5.36

$2.14 $2.14

$10.81 $10.81

Eggs

$4.68 $4.68

$2.04 $2.04

$8.68 $8.68

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.58 $14.58

$8.95 $8.95

$26.84 $26.84

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.29 $15.29

$6.71 $6.71

$22.4 $22.4

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.88 $18.88

$10.61 $10.61

$39.06 $39.06

Apples (1kg)

$5.32 $5.32

$2.21 $2.21

$8.88 $8.88

Banana (1kg)

$1.78 $1.78

$1.55 $1.55

$4.51 $4.51

Oranges (1kg)

$4.29 $4.29

$2.17 $2.17

$8.8 $8.8

Tomato (1kg)

$4.56 $4.56

$2.25 $2.25

$7.19 $7.19

Potato (1kg)

$2.45 $2.45

$1.08 $1.08

$4.32 $4.32

Onion (1kg)

$2.72 $2.72

$1.08 $1.08

$4.35 $4.35

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.48 $2.48

$1.11 $1.11

$3.03 $3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.71 $2.71

$1.28 $1.28

$3.58 $3.58

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.21 $15.21

$12.17 $12.17

$20.28 $20.28

Wine (Bottle)

$16.02 $16.02

$12.01 $12.01

$22.03 $22.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.36 $2.36

$1.39 $1.39

$4.18 $4.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.75 $3.75

$1.8 $1.8

$7.21 $7.21

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.52 $2.52

$4.04 $4.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$74.2 $74.2

$119 $119

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.22 $3.22

$3.96 $3.96

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.43 $1.43

$3.18 $3.18

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.75 $24.75

$39.59 $39.59

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.1 $1.1

$0.87 $0.87

$1.35 $1.35

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$32.4K $32.4K

$25.3K $25.3K

$37.9K $37.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26K $26K

$24.6K $24.6K

$27.4K $27.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$187 $187

$92.5 $92.5

$354 $354

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$63.3 $63.3

$35.33 $35.33

$101 $101

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$67.5 $67.5

$45.82 $45.82

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$75.4 $75.4

$24.67 $24.67

$158 $158

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.16 $13.16

Cinema Ticket

$14.81 $14.81

$13.82 $13.82

$19.75 $19.75

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$2,074 $2,074

$1,210 $1,210

$3,025 $3,025

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$39.8K $39.8K

$20.3K $20.3K

$46.2K $46.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$64.9 $64.9

$40.42 $40.42

$90.9 $90.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$50.7 $50.7

$29.49 $29.49

$73.7 $73.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$98 $98

$66.3 $66.3

$127 $127

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$148 $148

$75.9 $75.9

$253 $253

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,380 $2,380

$1,827 $1,827

$3,248 $3,248

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,580 $1,580

$1,283 $1,283

$1,974 $1,974

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,688 $4,688

$3,804 $3,804

$6,007 $6,007

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,815 $2,815

$2,237 $2,237

$3,661 $3,661

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,683 $3,683

$2,739 $2,739

$4,711 $4,711

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,653 $2,653

$2,261 $2,261

$3,277 $3,277

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,253 $5,253

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.6

7.3

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 24, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Chicago, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago offers big-city amenities with more affordable living than the country’s top coastal hubs. Central districts near the lakefront and downtown tend to be pricier, while many neighborhoods on the South and West sides offer more affordable housing, dining, and services. The Cost of Living in Chicago, IL, United States varies by area, and is noticeably influenced by proximity to transit and work hubs. Value tends to show up for those who are flexible about location, who use public transit, and who opt for longer stays or shared housing. Tip: test a few neighborhoods by staying a weekend and simulating your daily commute before committing.

The Chicago, IL, United States living cost varies by neighborhood, so you’ll want to map out transit access, grocery options, and nearby coworking spaces before choosing a base. Housing runs from vintage walkups to new towers, often with flexible lease terms and varying amenities. Food options span budget-friendly ethnic markets, reliable delis, and mid-range restaurants; cooking at home with seasonal produce stretches your budget without sacrificing variety. For getting around, the CTA network is the backbone, complemented by bikes and rideshares as needed. Shopping and errands are straightforward in well-connected pockets of the city. Tip: keep a core weekly plan and allow room for discovery.

Quality of life in Chicago comes from a thoughtful blend of planning and exploration. Use a simple budgeting frame: separate housing, food, transport, and leisure, then adjust as you experience different areas. Seasonal events, parks, museums on free or low-cost days, and library programs add value without driving costs up. For neighborhood fit, prioritize walkability, access to transit, green spaces, and a mix of amenities that align with your routine. Build a starter repertoire of affordable staples – grocers, markets, and casual eateries – so you don’t overspend chasing novelty. Tip: visit multiple neighborhoods across a few evenings to feel where you belong before committing.