Is Chicago Expensive Like New York Also? (Manhattan: neighborhood, utilities)

[Drover]

Originally Posted by untuchableface

However, the sales tax in Chicago is sky rocket. I don't know what it is in NYC but they don't have sales tax in PA, making Philly, yet again, a bit more livable.

As a former resident of PA, I can confidently state you're incorrect about this. Pennsylvania certainly does have a sales tax (6% if I recall correctly); and when I was in Philly recently, the sales tax on some items was as high as 11%.

[RiWrites]

I had thought about moving to NYC but changed my mind when I found out I would have to sell my soul to get an apartment there. I have always been interested in Chicago and am glad it isn't crazy with the rents like NYC is.

I know crime can be everywhere nowadays but what neighborhoods in Chicago are considered safer for women to live in.

[Avengerfire]

"I would agree with everyone. If you are from a small town, people may think Chicago is super overpriced. Compared to NYC, it's the price of living in a small town :-) Think $1500 for a large 2 bedroom in a nice neighborhood of $2000 for a small studio where you can't open the front door if you have the bathroom door open....no comparison"

Ugh you can get a decent 2 bedroom in a decent area for like 800 if you know what you are doing...!

[jessiegirl_98]

Yeah, but the point is a REALLY nice 2 bedroom that is large in a GREAT area for $1500.....just to emphasize that that would be impossible in new york

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by reppin_the_847

I have to agree with Drover on this one. The rent prices in Chicago neighborhoods seem to be about one third of the rent prices in comparable areas of NYC. Our cost of living is a lot more like that of Philly. If you have a strong preference for the East Coast culture (but also want the lower cost of living), and still need quick proximity to New York and the BosWash corridor via ground transportation then I'd recommend Philadelphia. If you are open to a very large, vibrant Midwestern metropolis that continues to grow, has an affordable cost of living, and has a very diverse economy (but has a bit slower pace than NYC keep in mind), then Chicago is it.

This is a good post.

[valpoguy]

If you're from NYC, Chicago is cheap. If you're from just about anywhere in mid-America besides Chicago (as many Chicagoans are), Chicago is expensive.

[saadrajabali]

hey it sounds GREAT that chicago is that affordable, CAN YOU IMAGINE LIVING IN A 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR 1500 IN NEW YORK??? THATS HOW BAD IT IS IN THIS AREA!!....haha youll be grossed out to know that the walls move (hint hint).....if you dont get that ill tell you in my next post what that means

[RiWrites]

I was planning on moving to NYC from Florida. When I looked up apartments I couldn't even afford a studio apartment. I can't believe they can get away with charging so much for apartments that are not that special. And when you include roaches and rodents it just isn't worth it. I would have to have at least 3 jobs just to make rent.

When I checked Chicago apartments I was surprised to find ones I could afford. I don't need a place with marble floors and chandeliers in every room type of place but I want something nice for my money.

How are salaries in Chicago? I hope they are better than they are in Florida.
I live in Lakeland which is in between Tampa and Orlando. Finding any good paying jobs here is near to impossible and with the price of gas I can't go to Tampa or Orlando to look for a better job.

[saadrajabali]

Chicago most likely seconds (if Boston doesn't) NYC in salary so dont worry about that

[oakparkdude]

Obviously salaries are dependent on the line of work you're in. Being one of the largest business centers in the US, white collar corporate jobs are in abundance here. On the other hand, due to the strength of unions, blue collar jobs tend to pay relatively well here, definitely better than in the south. Also, the state minimum wage was raised recently, which should end up bumping up wages across the board.