Moving to Chicago for university sounds amazing, right? Big city. Lakeside views. Deep dish pizza. But once the excitement dies down, reality kicks in—you need somewhere to live, and ideally not one that empties your bank account before classes even start.
The good news? You don’t have to live downtown in a high-rise with 3 roommates and no sunlight. There are solid, affordable areas in the city where students can actually live comfortably—and maybe even enjoy the process.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Does It Actually Cost to Live in Chicago?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Chicago isn’t the cheapest city, but it’s far from the most expensive either. If you’re smart about where you live, how many roommates you have, and don’t use Uber everywhere, it’s totally manageable.
Here’s a rough monthly cost breakdown (nothing super fancy, just averages).
Cost of Living for Students in Chicago
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Rent (shared apartment) | $750 – $1,100 |
| Rent (studio apartment) | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Utilities & Wi-Fi | $120 – $160 |
| Groceries | $250 – $300 |
| Public Transport (CTA) | $75 |
| Phone Plan | $40 – $60 |
| Eating Out & Coffee | $100 – $200 |
| Entertainment | $50 – $100 |
| Gym/Fitness | $30 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous | $50 – $80 |
If you’re sharing: you’re looking at roughly $1,400–$2,100/month.
If you’re going solo: closer to $1,850–$2,600.
See also: How to Build a Real Estate Portfolio
Where Can You Find Affordable Student Housing in Chicago?
Now let’s talk about areas. Below are a few neighborhoods where students prefer to live—some close to campus, others just plain affordable student apartments in Chicago.
1. Hyde Park
This one’s a favorite for students at the University of Chicago. It’s historic, walkable, and a bit quieter than other neighborhoods. Rents aren’t super low, but they’re reasonable if you’re sharing.
- Close to campus, walkable for Chicago students
- Chill vibe, with parks and coffee shops
- A bit isolated from downtown, but safe and academic feeling
- Good for those who like peace and space
2. Rogers Park
Way up north, Rogers Park sits right by the lake and is full of students from Loyola and other schools. It’s laid-back, multicultural, and surprisingly scenic.
- Budget-friendly (for real)
- Red Line train runs straight to downtown
- Great food scene (Ethiopian, Mexican, Indian, you name it)
- Slightly longer commute if your uni is central
3. Pilsen
Arts students and creatives gravitate to Pilsen. It’s full of murals, taco joints, and music. It’s not super polished, but it’s real—and you feel the community here.
- Columbia and DePaul students love it
- Rents still somewhat affordable (but creeping up)
- Easy access to downtown via Pink Line
- Not as quiet as others, but full of life
4. Bridgeport
If you’ve never heard of Bridgeport, you’re not alone. It’s one of those low-key neighborhoods that doesn’t get a lot of hype—but it’s cheap, safe, and connected.
- Close to IIT and UIC
- More houses than high-rises
- No party scene, but perfect if you just want to study and save
- CTA trains nearby, but you’ll rely on buses more here
5. Lincoln Park
Okay, so this one’s not exactly “affordable” unless you’re splitting with roommates. But it’s so student-heavy and convenient that it’s worth including.
- DePaul students everywhere
- Near the zoo, lake, and great cafes
- Rents high, but doable if you share
- One of the best-connected areas in the city
How Do You Find Apartments Without Getting Scammed?
First rule: if the rent looks too good to be true—it probably is. But seriously, your best bet is to start early, use trusted platforms, and always ask for a video tour if you can’t visit in person.
- Try University Living for student-specific listings
- Facebook groups can be okay, but be cautious
- Don’t pay anything until you see a lease
- Use Google Maps to check out the neighborhood virtually
- Ask real students (Reddit is your friend)
Also, don’t be afraid to look for student housing in Chicago that’s slightly outside the campus bubble. You can get more space for less money just one or two train stops away.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to live in a box to study in Chicago. There are neighborhoods with personality, space, and yes—decent rent. Whether you’re vibing with artsy Pilsen, the calm of Hyde Park, or the student swarm in Lincoln Park, you’ve got options.
Do your homework, talk to people who’ve lived there, and trust your gut. You’ll find something that fits—you always do. And hey, if the apartment has laundry in-unit? You just won the Chicago student housing lottery.
