One of the most populous cities in the United States and a significant metropolis in Illinois is Chicago. The city is well-known worldwide for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Chicago's central location makes it a hub for trade, culture, and transportation as well.
Chicago, Illinois has a 30% greater cost of living than the state average and a 19% higher cost than the national average. Cost of student accommodation Chicago, Illinois are 50% higher than the national average, but utility costs are just 5% lower. In terms of basic requirements like food and clothing, Chicago, Illinois has slightly higher grocery and apparel expenditures than the rest of the nation.
Tuition
The largest expense burning a hole in your purse as a student is, of course, the obligatory tuition fee. The cost varies greatly from university to university and has a significant impact on your cost of living in Chicago depending on the university and type of study.
Cost of student housing in Chicago
Although your main expense is tuition, housing costs are also very close to becoming your main expense. Naturally, you'll need a nice location to reside while you work towards your degree. Your choice of lodging, given the abundance of possibilities available, has a significant impact on your overall living expenses in Chicago. Private rentals or specially designed on-campus or off-campus student housing (PBSAs).
You can watch our FAQ video about all the different room kinds and their features to learn more about what each of these room types provides.
Travel Charges
It's time to integrate the tuition and housing with city transport now that we have everything figured out. The cost of living in Chicago might vary significantly based on how you choose to get around. Because daily travel is necessary, little sums of money can add up over time. Of course, Chicago's vastness makes it impossible to explore the entire city by foot. Travelling is quite convenient thanks to the extensive and well-developed public transport system.
Groceries and Food
Now that we've covered the majority of the essentials, let's talk about food, groceries, and survival in the Chicago cost of living. Although it is difficult to estimate these expenditures because they differ by individual, we believe that monthly food expenses should be between $300 and $600.
Services
When you consider the cost of living in Chicago, basic utilities are an essential expense that can't be avoided. Your off campus student housing functionality and daily existence depend on the availability of utilities. Your monthly expenses for heating, cooling, power, and hot water will range from $150 to $200, based on your lifestyle and place of residence. An additional $60 per month is spent on wifi.
Miscellaneous expenditures
There are several additional expenses associated with being a student in Chicago. These consist of the price of books and stationery, gym memberships, and tickets to Chicago attractions. Naturally, these will differ based on your preferen