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Old 10-09-2009, 02:56 PM
 
Location: Not where you ever lived
11,535 posts, read 30,247,739 times
Reputation: 6426

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Will you receive any type of health insurance? It is not cheap to be sick in Chicago or anywhere else in America.
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Old 10-09-2009, 05:05 PM
 
Location: Glencoe, IL
313 posts, read 596,280 times
Reputation: 69
Can people on H1B visas legally get second jobs? That would defeat the requirements of the visa
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Old 10-09-2009, 05:18 PM
 
Location: Powell, Oh
1,846 posts, read 4,740,226 times
Reputation: 1088
Quote:
Originally Posted by Careless View Post
Can people on H1B visas legally get second jobs? That would defeat the requirements of the visa
Good point. I was wondering the same.

Also if the salary is 22K, then you probably have 1533 a month after taxes. That is probably generous. I am not sure what the tax rate is for the salary. So with $1533, you will spend more than half on rent/utilities/cta card.

That is cutting it close, but doable.
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Old 10-09-2009, 06:01 PM
 
1,340 posts, read 2,803,138 times
Reputation: 768
Quote:
Originally Posted by belfagor71 View Post
Good morning everyone!

I might be moving soon to Chicago as I received a job offer.
The point is I have never lived in the States before so I really can't figure out how expensive it might be.
The minimum salary is 23,000 $ par year and the maximum is 28,000.
I would share a flat and I am not too much into bars, locals, restaurants and similar.
Can I live with such money in a basic but nice place, in a nice area? For nice I mean a pleasant and safe place, well connected through means of transportation.
I would really need your sincere opinion!
With that money could I enjoy the city? I mean, could I go once in a while to the cinema or to some exhibition, museum or similar?
Any tip and help is very mcuh appreciated!!

Thank you so much and have a great day!
One step above poverty, but could take in a movie or two.
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Old 10-09-2009, 06:13 PM
 
90 posts, read 321,870 times
Reputation: 61
I lived on less than that as a student. You will definitely need to get a roommate. It's too expensive to live in a safe neighborhood on that salary. Also take public transportation everywhere and avoid eating out in restaurants -- it adds up fast. There are free days at museums that you can take advantage of and plenty of free festivals and other activities in the summer, though winter can be a little boring.

I would suggest looking on craigslist for people seeking roomates in Lakeview, Rogers Park, Andersonville near the CTA.
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Old 10-09-2009, 06:31 PM
 
Location: Chicago
15,586 posts, read 27,595,502 times
Reputation: 1761
Another way to save money is to utilize the Chicago Public Library to the full extent. One can take out movies,music,and books free of charge. One can reserve materials online and pick them up at the library of one's choice in most cases.

When drinking in bars, only drink at bars that have real beer specials or reasonable regular pricing. (Like $2-2.50 for a domestic bottle or $3-3.50 for an import bottle. Anything over that is not a good deal for a "special.")
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Old 10-09-2009, 06:42 PM
 
Location: Wyoming
9,724 posts, read 21,224,032 times
Reputation: 14823
Nevermind. I misread an earlier post.

Last edited by WyoNewk; 10-09-2009 at 06:54 PM..
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Old 10-09-2009, 06:46 PM
 
Location: Chicago
15,586 posts, read 27,595,502 times
Reputation: 1761
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingfoot View Post
One step above poverty...
Poverty level is $10,830 for one person.
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Old 10-09-2009, 07:46 PM
 
177 posts, read 479,503 times
Reputation: 206
If you get a roommate youll be just fine. Better if you have a significant other and can share a one bedroom, and other expenses like groceries, etc.

I came to chicago making a little more than that with my wife making less, and we were fine. But that was ten years ago.
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Old 10-09-2009, 07:49 PM
 
Location: Logan Square, Chicago
27 posts, read 226,257 times
Reputation: 17
I live comfortably on $16500 a year and I have to buy groceries and everything for myself and my girlfriend.
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