Is It Expensive To Live In Chicago?
Living In Chicago Without Going Broke
Smart Ways To Manage Your Budget In The City
The Cost Of Housing In Chicago Makes A Big Difference
One of the largest contributors to the Chicago cost of living is housing. Your expenditure is going to directly correlate with your location of stay, should you wish to buy a house or an apartment on lease. Luxury houses and high-rise apartments are located in expensive areas like River North and Lincoln Park. There are cheaper houses and apartments available, like Pilsen or Rogers Park, if your budget is tight.
If you want to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the downtown core, it could earn about $2,000 a month, but out in the more suburban area, it could earn about $1,300. There are also a wide range of price options to buyers; condos in downtown Chicago are much pricier compared to homes out in the suburbs.
Groceries and Eating Out Can Quickly Add Up
Chicago food ranges from affordable to expensive, depending on how you like it. If you just eat at home and purchase from low-cost markets like Trader Joe’s or Aldi, then your expenses should stay low. As an individual, your monthly grocery expense should run somewhere in the area of $350 to $450 or so per month. Your expenses, of course, could go higher if you like specialty or organically grown food products.
Chicago’s restaurants vary from affordable eats to high-priced restaurants. A Chicago-style hot dog or deep-dish pizza from your local store won’t break the bank, but trending restaurants and high-priced restaurants quickly get expensive. A fancy dinner out quadruples the price of a mid-priced lunch for two and costs $50 to $70.
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Public Transportation and Commuting in Chicago
If you use public transportation, getting around Chicago is cheap. You can go virtually anywhere in the city on the Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA, buses and trains. For frequent users, the $75-a-month unlimited pass is a bargain.
If you do commute via car, parking, insurance, and gas are also costs to consider. Chicago gas is routinely higher than the national average, and parking downtown is $300 per month or more. Tolls and city car stickers are also paid by car commuters, making automobile transportation in the city all the more expensive.
As the Chicago Divvy bike-share system provides fairly reasonably-priced alternatives to travel short distances, cycling becomes an ever more mainstream transportation alternative. At approximately $120 annually in membership costs, Divvy provides a reasonably-priced alternative to remaining healthy without the added expense of a vehicle. Walking is also an inexpensive alternative to those who live close to their workplace or educational institutions, and traveling through Chicago on foot is convenient due to the pedestrian-oriented composition of the layout of the city.
Chicago Entertainment Deserves the Splurge
There are just so many things to do in Chicago that you’ll likely spend a little extra on entertainment. There’s so much happening in the city, from concerts and stage theater to sporting events and museums. Some attractions such as the lakefront strolls or Millennium Park are free and help with keeping expenses minimal.
Tickets to better-attended events, however, such as a Bulls or Cubs matchup, are from $50 to $150 and are dependent on the seat. Although they are expensive, events like Lollapalooza and the Christkindlmarket are amazing events. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to experience the best attractions in the city when you set aside money from your budget for entertainment.
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Utility Bills Can Vary by Season
Chicago utilities also vary from month to month due to the harshness of the seasons there. As Chicago’s winters are so notoriously cold, heat is pricey. The price of natural gas can go up readily during the winter months. But electricity gets pricier during the summer because air conditioning is a necessity during those months.
Utility costs for a typical apartment vary from $100 to $150 a month, but in a hot or cold month, they’ll exceed $200 or more. The rent also typically includes garbage pickup and water, but in some cases, it does not, so there is an additional fee to keep in mind.
Healthcare and Other Living Expenses in Chicago
Healthcare is another cost to factor in. If your work provides adequate insurance, then perhaps out-of-pocket costs do not have to generate excess anxiety. The costs of prescription drug and co-pays, however, do accrue.
Physical or wellness choices, such as membership in a health club, costing $40 to $100 per month, depending on the facility, are typical among Chicagoans. Apparel, houseware, and toiletries are just a few of the other costs of living that are commensurate with the national mean. In making basic item purchases, there’s a comparatively greater bill because Chicago’s sales tax rate is more than most cities’ rates.
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How to Make Living in Chicago More Affordable
f you can keep track of your spending, it doesn’t have to break the bank to live in Chicago. Housing expenses are best reduced with the old standby of sharing an apartment or house with roommates. It’s also possible to reduce expenses on food and entertainment with home-cooking and going to free or inexpensive events within the city.
Instead of having to pay a costly gym fee, others settle on more affordable options such as shopping in thrift shops for clothes or membership in clubs with free physical exercise. Even Chicago’s public libraries offer free services such as lessons and events, which help enrich your life while making some savings.
Does the Price Justify Living in Chicago?
Even though it is expensive to live in Chicago, there are a lot of things the city has to offer that most people find to be worthwhile. There is something for everyone in Chicago, from its unique neighborhoods and excellent food to historical attractions and community events.
There is room to take full advantage of what a great city like Chicago has to offer while still keeping your finances in order if you plan your budget meticulously.
Living in Chicago can be costly, but your cleaning doesn’t have to break the bank. At Deep Cleaning Chicago, we offer affordable cleaning services to suit your needs and take your expectations just a step further. If you’re balancing urban expenses or enjoying downtown living, we’ll clean your spot so it’s spotless and hassle-free.
All About Chicago in One Place
Culture, Living Costs, Top Attractions, and Local Experiences
Average Home Prices and Housing Market in Chicago
Chicago Subway Fare Information and Costs
Legal Drinking Age and Alcohol Laws in Chicago
Airbnb Rules and Short Term Rental Laws in Chicago
Best Ways to Travel in Chicago Without a Car
Chicago Apartment Subletting Rules and Regulations
How to Get Around Chicago Without Driving
Walkability and Pedestrian Friendly Areas in Chicago
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Winter Weather and Cold Temperatures in Chicago
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