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I lived in Boston on that so i definitely think you would be fine in Chicago
Definitely, as long as you’re smart about lifestyle I.e. Living in lakeview or further out vs river north, grabbing beers at the local bar vs trying the hot restaurant in west loop, etc.
You’ll meet plenty of people in the city making les than that. Have fun!
Could be tight if alone but with roommates that’s very comfortable
Yes that’s a very common starting salary here.
that’s about $45K after taxes or $3500 a month. you can find a decent apartment for $1200-$1500 - something really nice if you’re willing to have a roommate. you won’t be rolling in it but you can live comfortably on that.
Yes you will be able to live comfortably, to a lot of my friends even a 50k salary is a lot. To have one roommate in lakeview I think $850 is normal for rent. It’s easy to go out to nice restaurants and have a $100 Bill but it’s also really popular to hang at the lakefront over the summer which is free!
Live in lakeview with roommates and you’ll be fine. Shop around apartments for a good deal. I paid $950 for a room in a 3bed with friends in lakeview and loved every minute. Just try to be near the train line and you’ll be able to walk, uber or train anywhere you need
Rising Star
I lived in Boston on $36k a year, you’ll be fine
Rising Star
Umm no? There are a lot of apartments in Somerville
Also - having a car can get $$$ and is largely not necessary if you’re on public transit.
Depends on the neighborhood but for the most part yes. You want to either be on the El or within a mile of your office [or both].
I sold my car because I was tired of dropping $250 a month for parking for a car I drove only to get groceries (that’s what InstaCart is for)
You will be just fine but you won’t save anything unless you’re fine with sharing a bathroom, cooking at home a lot and taking public transit instead of Uber.
Pro
And honestly I also saved another 500-700 cash on top of the 401k per month
One of my roommates lived with me in Lincoln Park (one of the best areas) on 40k. You’ll definitely be able to do it.
I was a grad student living alone in Chicago on 27K a year and doing just fine. Unlike NY and SF you can actually find housing / neighborhoods that fit within a reasonable % of your salary. From there it depends on your life circumstances and preferences.
Chicago is cheaper than NY and Boston but more expensive than Atlanta but you can’t live in Atlanta without a car.
I started around there lived in a 3bed 2 bath with two roommates and was very comfortable, able save money and went out plenty. It’s definitely doable in Chi
I did it when I was making 70 and it was fine. Didn’t save as much but still enjoyed life