Chicago, United States
Cost of living · 2025 · Americas · Rent +3.5% vs 2024
Rent trend in Chicago (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Chicago (2025)
Estimated monthly budget in Chicago
Based on 2025 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in United States (2025)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | USD 1,967 | USD 559 | USD 109 | USD 181 | — |
| Atlanta | USD 1,760 | USD 538 | USD 98 | USD 174 | -10.5% |
| Austin | USD 1,863 | USD 564 | USD 36 | USD 181 | -5.3% |
| Boston | USD 3,312 | USD 600 | USD 119 | USD 207 | +68.4% |
| Dallas | USD 1,656 | USD 533 | USD 99 | USD 171 | -15.8% |
| Denver | USD 2,070 | USD 559 | USD 119 | USD 184 | +5.3% |
| Houston | USD 1,501 | USD 528 | USD 88 | USD 171 | -23.7% |
| Los Angeles | USD 3,002 | USD 590 | USD 109 | USD 191 | +52.6% |
| Miami | USD 2,691 | USD 600 | USD 119 | USD 202 | +36.8% |
Other Americas cities (2025)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Chicago in 2025?
In 2025, a single person living in Chicago needs approximately USD 2,981/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around USD 6,031/month. Chicago is considered a mid-range city by global standards.
How much is rent in Chicago in 2025?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago costs approximately USD 1,967/month in 2025. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around USD 3,933/month. Rent has changed +3.5% vs 2024.
How much do groceries cost in Chicago?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Chicago are approximately USD 559 in 2025. 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 109 in 2025, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Chicago?
Monthly utility costs in Chicago average USD 181 in 2025, 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 1,967/month and total single-person expenses around USD 2,981/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 21 in 2025. Budget around USD 166/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 2025, a single person needs approximately USD 2,981/month. This covers rent (USD 1,967), groceries (USD 559), transport (USD 109), utilities (USD 181) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around USD 6,031/month.