🇺🇸Cost of Living in Chicago
United States · Population: 2,693,976 · Cost Index: 78/100
Cost of Living in Chicago
United States · North America
Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States, located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Known for its bold architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant arts scene, Chicago offers a more affordable urban experience compared to coastal cities.
2,693,976
Population
78
Cost Index
42
Safety Index
58
Quality of Life
Average Monthly Cost: $3,200 (single person, excluding rent)
Cost Breakdown
Housing
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,100.001-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,450.003-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$4,200.003-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,600.00Food & Groceries
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$20.00Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$85.00McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.00Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.15Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$3.60Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.00Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$12.00Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.00Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.65Transportation
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$105.00One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.25Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.80Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00Utilities
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$155.00Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$48.00Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$60.00Healthcare
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$200.00Dentist Visit(per visit)
$165.00Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$45.00Entertainment
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$45.00Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$15.00Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.75Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.00Clothing
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00Compare Chicago with another city
See how Chicago stacks up against any other city in our database.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- USD
- Language
- English
- Cost Index
- 78/100
- Safety Index
- 42/100
- Quality of Life
- 58/100
Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.