Salary Needed to Live in Chicago as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $28,955/year to live comfortably in Chicago, IL — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$28,955
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$24,259
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,496
3% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Chicago
| Expense | Chicago | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $165 | $137 | +20% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $37 | $27 | +37% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $15 | $19 | -21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $31 | $35 | -11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $158 | $211 | -25% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $56 | $53 | +6% |
| Internet | $70 | $65 | +8% |
| Phone (×2) | $150 | $140 | +7% |
| Dining & Social | $482 | $450 | +7% |
| Entertainment | $193 | $180 | +7% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $139 | $130 | +7% |
| Total Monthly | $1,496 | $1,447 | +3% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,496
Target savings (12%):$244/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,740
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$28,955
Other Household Types in Chicago
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Chicago?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $28,955/year ($2,413/month gross) to live comfortably in Chicago with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Chicago?
A 1-2br apartment in Chicago costs approximately $165/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Chicago affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Chicago is roughly average for couple (no kids) costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.