How Much Does It Cost To Live In Chicago For A Single Person?
How Much Money Does Single Person Need To Live In Chicago?
The Breakdown Of Cost Of Living In Chicago For One Person
How much does it really cost for a single person to live in one of the most exciting cities in the U.S.? Whether you're planning on making Chicago your home or just need an idea of what city life could look and feel like, you definitely need to know what awaits you. Everything from rent to groceries, transportation, and even entertainment can vary greatly and add up rather fast in Chicago. So, is it affordable or out of reach? Let's break it down.
The Single Largest Expense Is Rent
Most people consider rent to be their highest expense, and the cost varies greatly depending on the neighborhood in Chicago. If you plan to live in downtown areas like The Loop, River North, or West Loop, the average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $1,800 to $3,000.
If that's okay with you, and you don't need to live right downtown, you can find some cheaper rent. You might get a one-bedroom for $1,200-$1,800 a month in areas like Logan Square, Pilsen, or Avondale. In the even more far-flung neighborhoods of Rogers Park, Albany Park, and others, one-bedrooms regularly go for as low as $900 to $1,200 per month.
Another option is finding a roommate and splitting the cost, saving a few hundred dollars a month.
The Cost Of Utilities
Rent isn't your only expense—you will have to consider utilities, too. The weather in Chicago can be quite extreme, so you can expect to need heat in the winter months and air conditioning in the summer months.
The average person can estimate costs of $100 to $150 per month for electricity, heating and cooling, water, and garbage pickup. Depending on the chosen speed, Internet service can cost an additional $50 to $80 per month.
Using The Public Transport System Vs. Using One’s Own Car
Chicago is home to CTA public transportation, which comprises the buses and the elevated “L” rail system. A good deal for a car-free person would be the $75-a-month CTA pass, which is all yours to use.
Of course, the tab is much higher if you do own a car: gas prices can differ a lot, but $100-$200 per month should be enough for fuel; car insurance in Chicago will cost around $100-$200 per month, and parking tickets—not all apartments include parking in the rent—will be an extra $200-$400 for a parking spot.
Some people do not want to own a car, and some of them take the bus; others use the services of Uber and Lyft.
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Eating Out Vs. Eating In
Grocery expenses in Chicago are on average what one would expect to find in a big city. For one person, it is possible to spend anywhere between $250 and $400 a month based on eating and buying food. In general, stores such as Aldi, Jewel-Osco, and Trader Joe’s are usually cheap, while Whole Foods and Mariano’s are relatively expensive.
If you frequently dine out, the expenses can quickly accumulate. A meal in a middle-of-the-range restaurant is likely to cost between $15 and $30 per person, and even if you decide to take something from the fast food joints, you will be looking at spending between $10 and $15 for a meal. Should you opt for a semi-decent restaurant for dinner? It should cost you at least $50 for meals and drinks.
Entertainment And Play Activities In Chicago
Of course, someone doesn’t just live in Chicago to pay bills; they would also like to have some fun, right? Everything is here: sports, music, art, galleries, and fairs.
Movie Ticket: $12–$18
Concert Tickets: From $50 to $200 and above for the stars and other famous people.
Museum Admission: $15 per person and up to $40, though many of them also offer free days.
Gym Membership: $30–$100 a month
Bars And Nightlife: $7-15 can get you a drink.
This list is endless and includes things one would do for free on a low budget, such as going for a walk on the Lakefront Trail to Millennium Park and free museum days.
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Insurance For Health Care And The Cost Of Medical Care
Another big cost that depends on your job is health insurance. No matter what kind of insurance you have through your job, the monthly fee could be anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on your policy. If you buy it by yourself, it can cost between $400 and $600 a month, which is a lot more.
Other costs include going to the doctor, getting prescription drugs, and paying other medical bills. Because of this, medical costs must be taken into account.
Other Monthly Expenses
Apart from the necessities, there are several other costs that can hurt your wallet pretty badly.
Phone Bill: $50–$100 bucks a month
Streaming Services: 10–50 dollars per month
Laundry (If Not In-Unit): $10–$30 per month
Home Essentials: $20–$50 per month
When it comes to cleaning, there are also times that cleaning the area is quite challenging and may need the services of a professional cleaner. Deep Cleaning Chicago may cost depending on the size and extent of the cleaning required.
How Much Will It Be Every Month In Total?
When you sum it all up, how much does it actually cost to be single in Chicago? Here's a rough breakdown:
Rent: $1,200–$3,000
Utilities: $100–$150
Internet: $50–$80
Transportation: $75–$300
Groceries: $250–$400
Eating Out & Entertainment: $150–$500
Health Insurance: $100–$600
Other Expenses: $50–$200
All in all, one has to spend from $2000 to $5000 per month for living in Chicago based on the lifestyle and choices made. If you want to be at the low end of the scale, the amount you need to make will be much less if you practice frugality, but if you want to live a more luxurious lifestyle, you will need to earn more.
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Can You Afford To Live In Chicago Alone?
Sure, it is expensive, but Chicago has a lot to offer, really. The city is full of culture, job opportunities, and exciting things to do. Whether you love food, music, sports, or history, Chicago has something for everyone. If you are considering relocation, then this is all about the planning of your finances. Knowing approximately how much one is likely to spend will help them make informed financial decisions and be able to do everything this city has to offer without breaking the bank. Would you move to Chicago? Let us know what you think!
