Midwest · Illinois
Average costs, local spending context and practical budgeting tips for Chicago households.
General guidance only. Figures are approximate averages — not advice. Always budget from your own real income and costs.
Avg 1-bed monthly rent
$1,900
Chicago approximate market average
Monthly groceries (single person)
$440
Approximate monthly estimate
Monthly transport
$110
Transit pass or car estimate
Mid-range monthly budget
$3,600
Single person · all-in estimate
CTA transit card is affordable. Property taxes are among the highest in the Midwest.
Tight budget
Minimal discretionary spend, shared housing or subsidized rent
$2,200/mo
Comfortable budget
Private 1-bed rental, regular groceries, some dining out
$3,600/mo
Higher spend
Premium rental, car ownership, active social spending
$6,000/mo
Estimates based on Numbeo, MIT Living Wage Calculator and BLS CES data. Individual circumstances vary significantly.
$21.40/hr
Estimated living wage for a single adult in Chicago, IL — the hourly rate needed to cover basic costs without public assistance. Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator (approximate). General context only.
MIT Living Wage Calculator ↗Ask Fin — free
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