Chicago, United States
Cost of living · 2024 · Americas · Rent +6.4% vs 2023
Rent trend in Chicago (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Chicago (2024)
Estimated monthly budget in Chicago
Based on 2024 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in United States (2024)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | USD 1,900 | USD 540 | USD 105 | USD 175 | — |
| Atlanta | USD 1,700 | USD 520 | USD 95 | USD 168 | -10.5% |
| Austin | USD 1,800 | USD 545 | USD 35 | USD 175 | -5.3% |
| Boston | USD 3,200 | USD 580 | USD 115 | USD 200 | +68.4% |
| Dallas | USD 1,600 | USD 515 | USD 96 | USD 165 | -15.8% |
| Denver | USD 2,000 | USD 540 | USD 115 | USD 178 | +5.3% |
| Houston | USD 1,450 | USD 510 | USD 85 | USD 165 | -23.7% |
| Los Angeles | USD 2,900 | USD 570 | USD 105 | USD 185 | +52.6% |
| Miami | USD 2,600 | USD 580 | USD 115 | USD 195 | +36.8% |
Other Americas cities (2024)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Chicago in 2024?
In 2024, a single person living in Chicago needs approximately USD 2,880/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around USD 5,828/month. Chicago is considered a mid-range city by global standards.
How much is rent in Chicago in 2024?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago costs approximately USD 1,900/month in 2024. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around USD 3,800/month. Rent has changed +6.4% vs 2023.
How much do groceries cost in Chicago?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Chicago are approximately USD 540 in 2024. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Chicago?
A monthly public transport pass in Chicago costs USD 105 in 2024, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Chicago?
Monthly utility costs in Chicago average USD 175 in 2024, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Chicago expensive to live in?
Chicago is located in United States (Americas). With a 1-bed rent of USD 1,900/month and total single-person expenses around USD 2,880/month, it is mid-range by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Chicago?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Chicago costs approximately USD 20 in 2024. Budget around USD 160/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Chicago changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Chicago from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 20.7% over this period (from USD 1,672 in 2022 to USD 2,018 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Chicago?
To live comfortably in Chicago in 2024, a single person needs approximately USD 2,880/month. This covers rent (USD 1,900), groceries (USD 540), transport (USD 105), utilities (USD 175) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around USD 5,828/month.