Cost of Living in Chicago for Students
Table of Contents
Chicago is the most populated city in Illinois, and the third-most populous in the US.
The cost of living in Chicago will be based on your food, rent, transport, utilities, etc.
Is Chicago expensive?
Chicago is 17.8% less expensive than New York (without rent).
The good part is that student accommodation in Chicago is available and plenty to find. There are top 4 student accommodations in Chicago.
You can reduce your living expenses by staying close to the university and even sharing an accommodation.
Please bear in mind that the cost of living will depend upon your lifestyle, etc.
Before we list the details of the cost of living in Newcastle, let’s summarize its cost.
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition Fees | $20,000 – $70,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | $800 – $2,000 / Month |
| Transportation | $108 / Month |
Costs of Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are one of the factors that determine the cost of your expenses. Before you start applying to a university, do proper research on the expenses. The cost of tuition fees in Chicago will depend upon the course and university.
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
| $20,000 – $60,000 / Year | $20,000 – $70,000 / Year |
Student Accommodation Costs
The cost of student housing in Chicago comes at many prices. You can find many student rooms ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly ones. There is also cheap student accommodation during exchange programmes and summer school.
There are three types of student accommodation in Chicago:
1. Student Housing
Student housing is one of the most popular types of accommodation in Chicago. This housing provides students with a spacious space to live in a single or share a room. The buildings are built close to the university and offer good amenities.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | $854 – $1,390 / Month |
2. Private Apartment
Students can get apartments on rent in Chicago – luxurious to cheap ones. Chicago is an expensive city, try to get a rented space with a friend or a classmate.
| Apartment | Price |
| Private | $1,440 – $2,024 / Month |
3. University Halls
Student halls are rooms provided by the university on rent. If you do not try to get it, it is hard to find a room. Now, students are less worried about so many student rooms available in Chicago.
| University Hall | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | $800 – $2,400 / Month |
Food
Based on your lifestyle, an average meal in Chicago should cost around $20 per person and a glass of beer for $7.
Utility Bills
The cost of utility bills in Chicago is expensive, but when you choose to stay in student housing, your bills are covered.
Transportation
The transportation system in Chicago is accessible by bus, train, taxi, etc.
Buses travel throughout the city daily. You can get discounted prices by using Ventra Card or Unlimited Ride Pass.
Metra Commuter is one of the fastest rail trains connecting the city.
Taxis are available everywhere in parts and corners of the city.
There are also water taxis which are affordable and fast if you are in for sightseeing.
Best ways to reduce your living costs in Chicago
Keep track of spending
When you know where are spending, you will be able to keep track of it and use it wisely.
Bargains, and discounts save money
Bargain is a fun activity and it can save you money. If you have student discounts, use them in the shops, travel etc.
Cook home meals
Make use of your cooking skills or learn to cook if you don’t have it, it will reduce cost on your food expenses.
Save energy save money
Saving energy means saving money on paying for electricity.
Walk Or Cycle
When you need to travel, walk or cycle if you can to help save money.
Find affordable and shared student accommodation
It’s not hard to find affordable accommodation in Chicago and share the rent with your friends.
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