Cost of Living in Illinois: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Illinois is called the Land of Lincoln,” in honour of Abraham Lincoln. It is a midwestern state touching Indiana in the east and the Mississippi River in the west in the United States. Illinois has its own set of expenses and the monthly average cost of living in Illinois is around USD 3600 for a person including rent.

In this guide, we’ll discuss various aspects of the cost of living in Illinois, such as housing rent, transportation costs, healthcare costs, and overall affordability. It will help you make informed decisions if you consider relocating to this fantastic city. Without further delay, let’s begin our discussion. 

Cost of Living in Illinois

Illinois, Chicago has higher standards of living as this city offers a luxurious and quality lifestyle. Navigating the cost of living is an essential aspect of relocation in Illinois. The average monthly cost of living in Illinois for a family of four is approximately USD 4,662 without rent, while for a single person, it is around USD 1,277 without rent. 

The cost of living in Illinois is around 6% more expensive than the national average in the United States. From housing costs to daily essentials, here are some categories that contribute to living expenses in Illinois, across various categories:

Costs of Rent in Illinois

On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Illinois costs around USD 2,349 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to USD 4,500. The average cost of rent in Illinois depends on several factors, such as location, size of the apartment, lifestyle a person selects, etc. and it can affect the cost of living in Illinois too. The following table compares the cost of renting apartments within and outside the city centre:

Apartment Location	Approx Monthly Cost
Three -bedroom Apartment away from the Centre	2,349
One-bedroom Apartment away from the Centre	1,532
Three -bedroom Apartment around the City Centre	4,500
Three -bedroom Apartment away from of the Centre	3,014

Source: Numbeo

Cost of a Utility in Illinois

The cost of utilities in Illinois is USD 160 which is relatively lower than the cost of living in Illinois. Utilities in Illinois include electricity, water, heating, garbage, internet services, etc, In the table below, Utility costs in Illinois are provided for your convenience:

Utility Type	Approx Monthly Cost
Basic Utility Cost (Electricity, Heating, Water, Cooling, and Garbage) (for 85m2 Apartment)	USD 160
Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone with Calls and 10GB+ internet data	USD 55
Internet (60+ Mbps, or Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	USD 59

Source: Numbeo

Cost of Grocery in Illinois

On average, the total cost of groceries a person’s cost in Illinois might be around USD 131 considering each grocery item at a single unit measurement. Costs of groceries in Illinois are often lower than the overall cost of living in Illinois. The average cost of groceries in Illinois includes the cost of bread, milk, water, vegetables, fruit, and other eatable items. The table below lists the average cost of groceries in Illinois: 

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
One liter Milk (regular)	USD 1.10
500g Loaf of Fresh White Bread	USD 4.14
One kg Rice (white)	USD 5.99
Eggs (regular) (12)	USD 3.92
One kg Apples	USD 6.04
One kg Banana	USD 1.95
One kg Oranges	USD 5.00
One kg Tomato	USD 4.80
One kg Potato	USD 2.70
One kg Onion	USD 2.77
One head Lettuce	USD 2.23
1.5 liter Water bottle	USD 2.46
meat, egg, drinks and Other items	USD 88

Source: Numbeo

Also Read: Cost of Living in Seoul: A Comprehensive Guide on Seoul’s Expense

Restaurant Costs in Illinois 

Illinois restaurants offer diverse, tasty dishes at affordable prices for a culinary adventure. The average cost of food in inexpensive restaurants for 2 people is around USD 22, which will not affect that much the cost of living in Illinois. In the table below, we have demonstrated the average restaurant costs you can pay in the country:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Meal for 2 person (Inexpensive Restaurant)	USD 22
Three-course meal for 2 People, (Mid-range Restaurant)	USD 90

Source: Numbeo

Transportation costs in Illinois 

The cost of a one-way ticket for local transport in Illinois is around USD 2.50. The overall cost of living in Illinois includes transportation costs, which are outlined in the table below:

Mode of Transport	Approx Monthly Cost
One-way Ticket for Local Transport	USD 2.50
Regular Price of Monthly Pass	USD 80.00
Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	USD 3.25
Cost of Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff)	USD 1.40
Cost of Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	USD 25.00
Gasoline (1 litre)	USD 1.12

Source: Numbeo

Average Tuition Fees in Illinois

Figuring out the average tuition fees in Illinois’s Universities can be overwhelming, given the cost of living in Illinois. However, we have gathered the necessary information for you. The average tuition fee at the University of Illinois can be around USD 36,900. The table below gives an idea about the fees at various universities in Illinois.

Name of University	Approx Tuition fees per year
Northwestern University	USD 65,997
University of Chicago	USD 65,619
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	USD 36,068
University of Illinois–Chicago	USD 32,833
Illinois Institute of Technology	USD 51,763

Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide

Things to Know When Moving to Illinois

If you are considering moving to Illinois, it’s important to consider various aspects, even if you are moving there for work or studying. Along with the affordable cost of living in Illinois, there are several factors that you should be aware of before making your move. Here are some things that students should keep in mind when moving to Illinois:

Environment of Illinois

The city of Illinois offers a pleasant environment. The locals are known for their hospitality and friendliness, making it a great place for expats to feel at home.

Jobs in Illinois

Illinois is a hub for numerous job opportunities. The average salary for a Student Worker in Illinois ranges from USD 14 to USD 20 per hour, which helps students with the cost of living in Illinois. Moreover, during a student’s academic year, they may only work 20 hours per week.

Networking and Career Opportunities in Illinois:

Illinois universities have strong partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, offering students access to internships, co-op programs, and job placement services. In addition, students can explore career opportunities in nearby major cities.

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FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in Illinois. Many Illinois students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.