Salary Needed to Live in Chicago as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $20,588/year to live comfortably in Chicago, IL — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$20,588
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$17,805
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,098
2% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Chicago
| Expense | Chicago | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $136 | $113 | +20% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $24 | $17 | +41% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $11 | $14 | -21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $23 | $26 | -12% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $158 | $211 | -25% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $56 | $53 | +6% |
| Internet | $70 | $65 | +8% |
| Phone | $91 | $85 | +7% |
| Dining & Social | $321 | $300 | +7% |
| Entertainment | $128 | $120 | +7% |
| Personal Care | $80 | $75 | +7% |
| Total Monthly | $1,098 | $1,079 | +2% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,098
Target savings (10%):$141/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,239
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$20,588
Other Household Types in Chicago
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Chicago?
A single person needs approximately $20,588/year ($1,716/month gross) to live comfortably in Chicago with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Chicago?
A studio/1br in Chicago costs approximately $136/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Chicago affordable for a single person?
Chicago is roughly average for single person costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.