Cost of living in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Summary of cost of living in Chicago, Illinois

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: $6,309
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: $3,810
  • Cost of living in Chicago, Illinois is more expensive than in 73% of cities in USA (10 out of 33)
  • Cost of living in Chicago, Illinois is more expensive than in 77% of cities in N. America (10 out of 39)
  • Cost of living in Chicago, Illinois is more expensive than in 90% of cities in the World (20 out of 189)
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List of prices in Chicago, Illinois
Current as of Mar 2024.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district $18
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) $11
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast $4.55
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk $0.89
12 eggs, large $3.32
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes $4.18
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese $5.55
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples $3.80
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes $1.70
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket $3.57
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality $14
2 liters of coca-cola $2.90
Bread for 2 people for 1 day $3.04
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area $3,416
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area $2,375
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat $162
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area $2,044
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area $1,430
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio $113
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) $66
40” flat screen tv $217
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) $144
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) $10
Hourly rate for cleaning help $60
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) $62
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) $49
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) $100
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes $114
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new $28,026
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas $1.11
Monthly ticket public transport $83
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) $16
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) $8
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) $17
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) $79
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) $7
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) $3.92
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) $5.66
4 rolls of toilet paper $3.88
Tube of toothpaste $1.94
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city $35
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub $64
2 tickets to the movies $29
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) $242
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert $97
1 cocktail drink in downtown club $16
Cappuccino in expat area of the city $5.15
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) $6
Ipad wi-fi 128gb $514
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) $0.64
1 month of gym membership in business district $78
1 package of marlboro cigarettes $16
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 453 prices entered by 69 different people.
Latest price update: March 18, 2024

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International Schools in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago position in our World Ranking

the world
20th
out of 189
n. america
10th
out of 39
usa
10th
out of 33

Cheapest and most expensive products in Chicago compared to other cities:

the world
3rd
the world
5th
n. america
1st
n. america
2nd
n. america
2nd
n. america
3rd

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International Cost of Living Index

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