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Life in Chicago, IL

60 Rooms Available
$1032 Average Rent
180 Roommates Available
$991 Average Budget

Moving to Chicago

Chicago roommate rents hit a record $1,037 in early 2026, up over 8% from last year. Still, splitting a place here saves a lot — one-bedrooms average over $1,800 in popular neighborhoods. Finance, healthcare, tech, and the universities (UChicago, Northwestern, DePaul, Loyola, UIC) keep the market moving. The L train system means you can live in a lot of different neighborhoods and still get to work.


Best Neighborhoods for Shared Housing in Chicago


Lakeview / Wrigleyville

One of the most popular neighborhoods for roommates. Rooms run $800–$1,100. Close to the lake, Wrigley Field, and tons of bars and restaurants. Red and Brown Line access. Lots of apartment shares with two or three bedrooms.


Logan Square

Northwest side, popular with the creative crowd. Rooms go for $750–$1,050. Blue Line access to the Loop. Great coffee shops, breweries, and the 606 trail. Neighborhood has gotten pricier over the past few years, but still more affordable than Lincoln Park.


Lincoln Park

One of the most desirable areas in the city. Rooms cost $900–$1,200. Parks, the zoo, DePaul campus, and easy Red/Brown Line access. Feels more polished than Logan Square or Wicker Park. Higher prices, but you get a lot of convenience.


Pilsen

A historically Mexican neighborhood on the Lower West Side with a strong arts scene. Rooms run $650–$900. Pink Line access. Some of the best murals and food in the city. Increasingly popular with young professionals, and rents are rising.


Rogers Park / Edgewater

Far north side along the lake. Rooms start at $600–$850 — some of the cheapest in the city. Red Line access, Loyola University is in Rogers Park. More diverse and less polished than Lakeview, but a great deal for how close you are to the lake and transit.

Things to Know Before Moving to Chicago

Like any major city, there are positive and negative things to expect. There is a thrilling outdoor recreation scene, with a lot of energy focused on celebrating professional sports teams. The proximity to Lake Michigan and its beaches also offers many opportunities for outdoor relaxation. However, this proximity to the lake also means harsher winters. If you're used to winters, it's nothing new, but if you're coming from an always-sunny climate, you may struggle during the colder months. If you're planning to purchase a home, you should also expect increasingly high property taxes. With the money you’re spending on property taxes, you may save on car payments and maintenance. While many still prefer to drive, public transportation in Chicago is extensive. If you don't have a vehicle, you'll have no problem getting around the city.

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Pros & Cons of Living in Chicago

The pros and cons of living in Chicago do balance each other out well. While you may have to pay more in taxes, you don't need to own a car. Although you'll experience cold winters, a Chicago winter is beautiful. Ultimately, Chicago provides a dynamic urban experience, but it's essential to weigh these pros and cons before relocating.

Pros of Living in Chicago

Sports Culture

Chicago's sports culture is vibrant and diverse, encompassing major leagues like the NFL's Bears, NBA's Bulls, MLB's Cubs and White Sox, and NHL's Blackhawks. The city is known for its passionate fans and historic rivalries, creating a strong sense of community and pride. Sports events are embedded in Chicago's identity and social life.

Public Transportation

Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, ranking as the second-largest in the U.S. The 'L' train includes both elevated and subway trains connecting various neighborhoods. The bus system has 129 different routes and provides 1.7 million rides on an average weekday. Many bus routes operate 24/7, including special Night Owl services. Apart from the wide range of stops and 24/7 access, the system is also simple to use. The payment options and available apps make planning and paying for your trip easy.

Affordable

When compared to other major cities, Chicago is more affordable, but it is still pricier than other cities in Illinois. The median household income in Chicago is about $66K, with many feeling the burden of spending an average of 30% of their income on housing. However, if you're looking to live in a big city with relatively lower costs, Chicago is for you.

Diversity

Chicago is known for its diversity, with a population that reflects a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Areas like Rogers Park and Albany Park are recognized for their ethnic diversity, showcasing a mix of cultures and backgrounds. However, many neighborhoods are predominantly composed of a single racial or ethnic group. This is a trend you can see throughout Chicago.

Lakefront

The lakefront in Chicago stretches 26 miles and includes numerous parks and beaches. The lakefront not only serves as a recreational space but also plays a vital role in the city's identity. You'll find parks, restaurants, attractions, and museums along the shore. The Lakefront Trail in Chicago is an 18.5-mile paved path offering views for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading.

Cons of Moving to Chicago

Parking

Parking in Chicago is a significant challenge for residents and visitors alike. While there are street parking options, the dense city makes it difficult to find open spaces. There are also parking garages that are more secure but come with a hefty fee. You should also be aware of the quick-moving city staff who issue parking tickets.

Taxes

Chicago has a complex tax structure, with specific taxes for many different goods and services. Items such as bottled water, checkout bags, restaurants, parking, and more have different tax percentages. The property taxes in Chicago are among the highest in Illinois, though there is a flat-rate income tax. Low-income residents and seniors can receive tax breaks, which makes life a bit easier.

Harsh Winters

Being so close to Lake Michigan, the winter weather and wind chill are more extreme. Average winter temperatures hover around 26 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. While the winters are difficult for many, Chicago provides outdoor activities such as ice skating and beautiful decorations around the city.

Public School Challenges

While the public school system in Chicago (CPS) has been improving over the last few years, there are still challenges. There are difficulties with getting access to resources for each school across different neighborhoods. This means that things like science materials, books, and computers may not be available everywhere. Additionally, some of the buildings and infrastructure are dated and need renovation. While the Chicago Public School system does have a five-year plan in place to continue improving each school, teacher retention has been a significant issue. All of these factors should be considered when evaluating the Chicago Public School system.

Flat Landscape

The landscape in Chicago is mostly flat, creating minimal natural views. While this doesn't allow for nature to be widely seen, it is very beneficial for the city's infrastructure. Buildings are easier to construct, and the city is more walkable because of the flat landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Chicago

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Thinking About Moving to Chicago?

When making the decision to move to Chicago, you need to take into account a multitude of factors. Decide on the lifestyle you want, look at jobs in the area, and consider housing costs in your preferred neighborhood. Using Roommates.com will help you find individuals in the area who share your lifestyle goals and discover the best neighborhoods. Use Roommates.com to search for those in Chicago who are looking for a roommate and find your perfect match. Roommates.com is the smart, simple, safe way to bring roommates together. Millions have used Roommates.com to find their perfect roommate. Sign up for free to get started today!

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