How expensive is it to live in Chicago?
than New York City (Index: 75)
Compared to New York City (100 = NYC baseline)
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (City Center) | $2,000/mo |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside Center) | $1,400/mo |
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | $15 |
| Cappuccino | $4.8 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $105 |
| Median Home Value Explore home equity options in Chicago → |
Last updated: Jan 2026
AEO Answers
Direct answers for monthly budget, cost index, and how Chicago compares with a New York City baseline.
Chicago has a cost of living index of 75 against a New York City baseline of 100. Based on this model, it is 25% cheaper than New York, with an estimated single-person monthly budget around $3,800.
A rough single-person monthly budget for Chicago is about $3,800 in this model. Actual spending can vary significantly based on rent, neighborhood, exchange rates, lifestyle, and household size.
💡 Cost of living data is estimated based on public sources. Actual costs may vary based on lifestyle and exchange rates.
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