City or suburbs? (Chicago: apartment, insurance, safe area)

[laf10]

Is it cheaper to live in the suburbs and commute to work, or to live in the city itself? I am probably moving to the Chicago area in a year, and I currently own a car which I was considering selling once I move. But would it be better to keep it, and use Park & Rides to get to work from the suburbs, or better to sell and live in the city? Which would be cheaper?

[emmi605]

I think your question is impossible to answer since there are so many factors involved. Number one would be where you want to live in the city. It is quite expensive in safe areas. If you are giving up your car, that would help. If you live in the suburbs, the train is the best way to commute to the loop. Where will you be working? What do you hope to spend on an apartment? THose questions are needed for anyone to really be of much assistance.

[laf10]

If I lived in the city, I would hope to find a small studio in the 700-800 price range in a safe neighborhood. I would use public transportation only, and get rid of my car. In the suburbs, I would hope to find something cheaper than that because I would have to keep my car and pay gas, insurance, etc. for that. I would try to use public transportation to commute into the city if I lived in the suburbs, and only use my car when necessary. I'm not sure where I will be working yet, since it is about a year away, but hopefully in the Loop.

[Drover]

With an upper range of $800, you will be able to find at least a studio in nearly any neighborhood in the city except maybe right near the loop/downtown. In many of the less exciting (but still safe) parts, it will get a you legitimate, decent-sized one-bedroom.