How much does it cost to live in Chicago as a student?

Monthly rent in Chicago for a room in a university residence or student apartment generally costs between USD $500 and USD $1,200. Food costs are normally around USD $300 to USD $500, while a public transport ticket is approximately USD $2.50, but you can opt for monthly passes that offer unlimited trips for a fixed price.

What’s student life like in Chicago?

You’ll love student life in Chicago if you are looking for a destination that combines academic excellence with an environment rich in culture, festivals, gastronomy, and outdoor activities.

What are the best areas to live in Chicago as a student?

Chicago has several areas ideal for students such as Hyde Park (close to the University of Chicago, with an academic environment and green spaces), The Loop (with easy access to public transportation), River North (a modern area ideal for Northwestern University students), or Lakeview (it has a lively nightlife and is close to DePaul University).

What do I need to study in Chicago?

If you want to study in Chicago, you need to determine which institution and which study program best suits you. Once this is done, make sure you meet the admission requirements, have the necessary documents in order and apply for your student visa to reside in the United States.

Where to study in Chicago?

In the city of Chicago you can choose between world-renowned institutions, such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, or University of Illinois Chicago, among others. In addition to universities and colleges, it has high-quality centres for studying English.

Studying in Chicago

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Chicago


Private rooms Chicago	111	1262/month
Residences Chicago	44	1818/month
Studios Chicago	2	1581/month
Apartments Chicago	78	3153/month

*:2024-09-13T06:32:02.994Z

Chicago is the third largest metropolis in the United States. It’s located along the southwest coast of Lake Michigan, in the state of Illinois. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, rich history, and massive skyscrapers. Studying here for a while is a very good choice, since it will ensure you a renowned education, and many opportunities. Do you want to know why you should study in Chicago? Join us in this article. Let 's get to it!

Cost of living in Chicago, United States

Living in Chicago as a student is going to vary in costs depending on the area in which you live and your personal choices.

Accommodation is, precisely, the biggest outlay you’ll face. Prices may vary depending on type. For example, the monthly rent for a room in a university residence or in a shared apartment can range between USD $500 and USD $1,200. This is usually the most popular choice among young people. If you prefer to live on your own, one-bedroom apartments can range from USD $1,200 to USD $2,500.

Food expenses are usually around USD $300 to USD $500. Additionally, a public transportation ticket costs approximately USD $2.50, but you can opt for monthly passes that offer you unlimited rides for a certain price.

Student life, parties, and leisure in Chicago, United States

The Windy City, as it’s also known, is the home of a lively night scene, so you’ll find a wide variety of party and leisure options. In Logan Square, an excellent place to enjoy the night is Emporium Arcade Bar, a retro arcade bar that combines drinks and fun with pinball machines and classic video games. On the other hand, in the River North area, our recommendation is TAO Chicago, a high-end nightclub with stunning Asian design and an engaging atmosphere. Another of our favourites is The Violet Hour bar, offering an intimate atmosphere and craft cocktails.

Party and live music lovers can enjoy concerts in emblematic places such as House of Blues. And, of course, we can’t forget one of the most famous festivals on the music scene: the Lollapalooza, held annually in Grant Park and attracting artists and attendees from around the world. If you’re in Chicago at this time, you should not waste the opportunity!

Culture and gastronomy in Chicago

Art and culture lovers can visit renowned museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses collections of works by Monet, Van Gogh, Seurat, and Hopper. In the Museum of Contemporary Art you can discover the latest trends from innovative artists and visit temporary exhibitions. Architecture fans can delight in Chicago's iconic skyscrapers, such as the Willis Tower, and enjoy the dazzling panoramic views that can be seen from them.

The gastronomy of this city is recognised for all the culinary fusion that characterises it. Most of the typical dishes are combinations of other cuisines with the American one. Here you can enjoy “Deep-Dish Pizza”, a type of pizza which is baked in a deep mould to obtain its characteristic shape that serves as a support for the rest of the ingredients that, in fact, are added in the reverse order to Italian pizzas. Another emblem is the “Chicago Hot Dog”, a hot dog made with poppy seed bread, beef sausage, and, instead of ketchup, tomato sauce. But our favourite is the “Jibarito”, a Puerto Rican sandwich made with fried plantains instead of bread, filled with meat, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and garlic mayonnaise. A delight!

Advantages of studying in Chicago, United States

The city is home to two of the most prestigious universities in the country: the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.
In addition, it hosts high-quality English schools with courses for international students, making it a perfect destination if you want to improve your use of the language, while immersing yourself in the local culture and gastronomy.
The weather in Chicago guarantees you fun all year round. During warm summers, the city comes alive with outdoor activities such as picnics, bike rides, or beach volleyball games. On the other hand, in the cold and snowy weather of winter you’ll enjoy outdoor ice skating, skiing or snowboarding.
Chicago is home to several festivals, among which is the famous Lollapalooza, which attracts artists from all over the world.
The city is a multicultural paradise, with a rich ethnic heritage, thanks to which you’ll be able to experience and learn from diverse cultures, traditions and lifestyles. And, with so much diversity, it's even easier for you to meet new friends!

Cheap student accommodation in Chicago

https://erasmusplay.com/en/search/chicago.html?sort=cheapest

Do you want to find accommodation in Chicago but you’re not sure how to get it? You can use our Erasmus Play search engine to compare different options, all verified and safe, making your search easier.

Frequently asked questions about studying in Chicago

How much does it cost to live in Chicago as a student?
Monthly rent in Chicago for a room in a university residence or student apartment generally costs between USD $500 and USD $1,200. Food costs are normally around USD $300 to USD $500, while a public transport ticket is approximately USD $2.50, but you can opt for monthly passes that offer unlimited trips for a fixed price.
What’s student life like in Chicago?
You’ll love student life in Chicago if you are looking for a destination that combines academic excellence with an environment rich in culture, festivals, gastronomy, and outdoor activities.
What are the best areas to live in Chicago as a student?
Chicago has several areas ideal for students such as Hyde Park (close to the University of Chicago, with an academic environment and green spaces), The Loop (with easy access to public transportation), River North (a modern area ideal for Northwestern University students), or Lakeview (it has a lively nightlife and is close to DePaul University).
What do I need to study in Chicago?
If you want to study in Chicago, you need to determine which institution and which study program best suits you. Once this is done, make sure you meet the admission requirements, have the necessary documents in order and apply for your student visa to reside in the United States.
Where to study in Chicago?
In the city of Chicago you can choose between world-renowned institutions, such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, or University of Illinois Chicago, among others. In addition to universities and colleges, it has high-quality centres for studying English.