Chicago, Illinois
In Chicago, Illinois, a gallon of regular gas costs $4.17 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.72 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,100, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Chicago's cost-of-living index of 110 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$4.17
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$2,100
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.58%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$13.50
Combo meal
Electricity
15.8¢/kWh
~$142/mo avg bill
Car Insurance
$165/mo
$1,980/yr state avg
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Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $2.00 | $2.34 | $2.94 | $4.35 | $2.37 | +2960.0% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.82 | $4.13 | $4.09 | $4.13 | $4.25 | +630.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.14 | $5.08 | $5.28 | $5.49 | $5.71 | +37.9% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.26 | $3.05 | $3.26 | $3.42 | $3.49 | +1900.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $4.03 | $4.19 | $4.27 | $4.27 | $4.27 | +2630.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.67 | $5.23 | $5.55 | $5.83 | $6.06 | +29.8% |
| Bacon (lb) | $7.30 | $7.96 | $8.35 | $8.68 | $8.94 | +22.5% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $6.45 | $7.10 | $7.38 | $7.53 | $7.60 | +17.8% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.59 | $1.98 | $2.10 | $2.12 | $2.18 | +37.1% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.54 | $5.27 | $5.59 | $5.82 | $5.82 | +28.2% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $9.27 | $11.01 | $12.01 | $12.86 | $12.98 | +40.0% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $4.27 | $4.99 | $5.54 | $5.93 | $6.11 | +43.1% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.45 | $4.76 | $4.90 | $5.05 | $5.20 | +16.9% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.96 | $5.31 | $5.41 | $5.63 | $5.86 | +18.1% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.40 | $2.69 | $2.82 | $3.02 | $3.17 | +32.1% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.94 | $2.11 | $2.28 | $2.35 | $2.40 | +23.7% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.82 | $7.28 | $7.71 | $8.18 | $8.26 | +41.9% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.40 | $4.80 | $5.14 | $5.40 | $5.45 | +23.9% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.98 | $5.73 | $6.25 | $6.57 | $6.77 | +35.9% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.90 | $8.45 | $9.03 | $9.76 | $10.05 | +45.7% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$13.50
Casual Dining
$26.50
Monthly Spend
$454.48
+4.58% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $9.86
$15.90
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $11.13
$17.17
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $11.93
$17.81
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $5.34
$7.42
+39.0%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Chicago?
Average 1BR: $1,638/mo · 2BR: $2,478/mo
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