Need to find your next apartment quickly? Whether you’re relocating or just moving in-town, this guide will give you all the information you need about the process to help you find an apartment fast in Chicago.

How to Find an Apartment Fast

Choosing a Neighborhood

One of the beauties of Chicago living is the number of diverse places to call home. Within this metropolis, you can choose from 77 unique community areas. Each area boasts its own history and charm.

While this is certainly a perk, it comes with some tough decision-making for apartment hunters. It’s crucial that you find the neighborhood that speaks to you and practically fits your lifestyle. Be sure to take our “Where to Live in Chicago” quiz if you need help narrowing down your ideal neighborhood!

Researching neighborhoods on your own beforehand is a good starting place, but teaming up with an experienced broker is the most strategic way to gain insight and direction on the most suitable area. Our team members know Chicago like the back of their hand and can help you evaluate which neighborhoods are worth considering.

To get you started, here are some popular Chicago neighborhoods and a broad description of the area:

• The Loop– The ultimate business district and the place to live if you work downtown and want to cut down your commute. 
• River North– The heart of the city and Chicago’s largest and fastest-growing neighborhood.
• South Loop– Printers Row and Museum Campus, complete with many attractions and waterfront action.
• Lincoln Park– A charming and classic Chicago neighborhood. Close but quieter than downtown spots.
• Logan Square– Eclectic location considered a hotspot for craft cocktail bars, unique restaurants, and new luxury condos.
• West Loop– Hip spot to call home with vibrant energy and plenty of places to explore, including top restaurants and bars.

Deciding on a Budget

Before beginning the formal condo hunt, you also want to establish a budget. This will help narrow down homes you can afford and set realistic expectations for the move.

Many people refer to the 30 percent rule when calculating their apartment budget. The rule of thumb simply states that you shouldn’t spend more than 30 percent of your gross income on rent.

So, once you figure out how much you have to work with for your home and narrow down your neighborhood, you can better gauge what type of apartment you can afford. 

A licensed broker will also help you identify your non-negotiables or wish list to help you find your dream home that still stays within your budget. Keep in mind that the cost of rent depends primarily on location, size, and quality.

Renting also generally requires additional expenses on top of your regular monthly cost. Most properties require a security deposit, and many renters may pay extra for utilities and services.

How to Save for an Apartment Fast

It’s wise (and sometimes necessary) to save up before committing to an apartment. To do so, you have to be intentional with your finances. 

Consider a few of these tips to help you refrain from extra expenses and grow your savings:

1. Dine-in
2. Avoid retail therapy
3. Consider public transit or walking
4. Download apps designed to help you save
5. Set limits and stick to them
6. Keep your eye on the prize

Essentially, saving up quickly is all about cutting out the things you don’t need and looking for more affordable ways to get the things you do need.

How to Search

While you can find available apartments online, teaming up with a broker is truly the most efficient and effective way to secure your home.

Our team of professionals knows what questions to ask to maximize your time and find you the best apartment. We set you up with the most suitable agent, work to set up showings and walk you through the entire rental process at no cost to you.

Through our process, we will help you understand the current rental market and ensure a smooth move in the process with honest feedback.

Many of these steps can even happen remotely, making searching possible for those out-of-state.

What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing

Once you’ve found apartments you’re interested in checking out, it’s time to arrange the showings. These viewings are often fairly simple, but it’s always helpful to be prepared.

We recommend having a few items in hand during the viewing. Here’s a quick must-have checklist you can reference:

• Any necessary paperwork
• A form of ID, either driver’s license or passport
• Car license plate and vehicle information if applicable
• Certified funds if you plan on putting down a deposit that day
• A form of payment for the possible deposit, likely a check

While this is a pretty universal list, be sure to confirm with your agent what you need.

Apartment Viewing Etiquette

As you prepare for your apartment viewing, there are a few rules of conduct to also keep in mind:

• Schedule the appointment in advance. Rather than showing up unannounced, arrange the listing at an appropriate time for the leasing agent or property manager.
• Show up on time. Once you’ve set time to view the apartment, don’t be late! Not only is this common courtesy, but in a competitive market, being early may benefit you.
• Come prepared. Don’t neglect the apartment viewing checklist. You don’t want to forget an important item or something that may prevent you from securing your dream home.
• Be polite. Whether interacting with your agent, another agent, the property manager, or the homeowner, be considerate of all those you interact with.
• Do research beforehand. You and your agent can determine some information on your own, like the price and location. But you may also have unanswered questions prepared to go into the appointment, such as the pet policy or neighbor situation.
• Don’t touch anything without asking. Since you have not leased the apartment yet, it’s not yours. As you look around, refrain from getting your hands on stuff.

The Luxury Living Chicago Realty team understands the importance of finding the right place at the right time. We hope our guide helps you better understand how to find an apartment fast in the Windy City.

If you have more questions or are ready to start your search, we would love to chat with you!

If you’re moving to Chicago, one thing you’re likely wondering about is transportation. Here is how to get around Chicago for people who aren’t familiar with the city.

How to Get Around Chicago

The CTA

Chicago has a robust public transportation system known as the CTA.

These train and bus lines run all over the city and converge downtown around the Loop. The CTA is affordable, convenient, and a great way to navigate the city! Snag a Ventra card when you’re in town and enjoy the benefits of exploring Chicago on the CTA.

If you find yourself wanting to check out the suburbs, the Metra is also a great option to take you outside of the city.

Driving

If you move here with a car, you’re in luck! Chicago is a very drivable city with parking options available.

Although there is no shortage of traffic, it is still manageable to have a car in the city.

Check out our guide to understanding the cost of owning a car in Chicago too.

Biking

Whether you have your own bicycle or rent using the Divvy system, biking is another practical option for getting around Chicago.

There are Divvy stations all over the city, and the rental rate is very affordable if you don’t want the headache of owning and maintaining your own bike.

Chicago also has great programs and safety policies in place for cyclists in the city streets.

If you’re looking for a more leisurely ride, check out the Lakefront and Northbranch Trail.

Walking – The Pedway

Chicago is a very walkable city.

Downtown, walking is a simple, convenient option for getting around.

Additionally, there are amazing parks and trails to explore on foot. In the winter, check out the Pedway, which consists of tunnels and bridges that cover over 40 blocks downtown.

Rideshare Apps

Popular rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are other useful options to get around Chicago, and they are available all over the city. When you’re downtown, you can also hail a cab for the real city experience.

As a new resident to Chicago, there are many transportation options available to help you get around. Take your time exploring all options and finding what makes the most sense for your commute. In no time you’ll be an expert in navigating the city!

Looking to relocate to Chicago? Check out a few of our listings below.

Available Downtown Chicago Apartments For Rent

727 W Madison – 727 W. Madison

73 East Lake – 73 E. Lake

Three Old Town Park – 228 W. Hill

Sentral – 808 S. Michigan

Looking to settle in Chicago soon? Luxury Living Chicago will help you find the perfect apartment in the best location for you! Connect with a Luxury Living broker to start your search.

Searching for more information on all things you need to know before moving to Chicago? Click the button below!

Considering moving to Chicago? We have a few tips if you’re moving to the city alone. Check out these helpful ideas to help you settle into Chicago when you’re arriving without knowing anyone beforehand. Moving to Chicago alone can be a fun adventure, especially with these helpful tips to get you started!

Tips for Moving to Chicago Alone

Join a Sports Club

The best way to get acclimated to a new space is to make new friends. What better way than joining a sports club?

Chicago has amazing sports organizations for all types of athletes and varying interests. Check out Chicago Sport & Social Club to start! They offer a variety of competitive team sports as well as euchre, corn hole, e-sports and more.

In addition to sports clubs, check out other social groups Chicago has to offer.

Take a Class

Another great way to start socializing with new folks is through taking a class. Chicago has amazing dance, music, cooking, comedy, and art classes available for adults. If you’ve ever had an interest in learning a new hobby, odds are that there is a class for you somewhere in the Windy City!

It’s a great chance to invest in yourself. Additionally, you can make new friends by inviting classmates to grab a drink and hang out afterwards.

Embrace Solo Adventures

One exciting part about moving alone is that you can embrace solo adventures.

Take trips around the city doing exactly the things you want to do without worrying about pleasing a group.

Explore unique things to do, take historical tours, and visit different neighborhoods on your own, unencumbered by a group to maximize your own experience. It might feel a little strange at first, but why not embrace it?

Become the Ultimate Host

Chicago is an amazing city with so much to offer, and odds are your friends are going to be jealous you’re moving here! One way to make your new city feel like home is to make yourself the ultimate host.

When you’re furnishing your apartment, make sure to get a nice couch for guests to sleep on. Start to keep track of your favorite restaurants with views, as well as free things to do throughout downtown Chicago.

When guests come to visit, you’ll have an easy go-to list of activities ready for them. Who knows, you might even recruit some of them to move here!

Moving to Chicago alone is a big leap! Give it time and enjoy the journey of exploring the city and making new friends along the way. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to make Chicago your new home in no time!

Interested in a downtown Chicago apartment? Check out a few of our popular listings:

Apartments for Rent in Downtown Chicago

727 W Madison in West Loop

Landmark West Loop at 1035 W Van Buren

The Paragon Chicago at 1326 S Michigan in South Loop

3Eleven at 311 W Illinois in River North

Searching for more apartments in Chicago? Luxury Living Chicago can help you find your dream apartment today! Connect with a Luxury Living broker to start your search.

Click the button below for more information on all you need to know when moving to Chicago!

There are many reasons to move to Chicago, from the endless things to do and see to plenty of work opportunities, incredible dining options, and more. If you’re searching for one of the many fast-growing companies with headquarters in Chicago to be a part of, you came to the right place.

The 10 Fastest Growing Companies Headquartered in Chicago

Over the past few years, there have been a plethora of rapidly growing companies in Chicago – from fintech and finance to IT consulting and SaaS-based companies. We’ll go over 10 of the fastest growing companies in a handful of Chicago’s best neighborhoods for young professionals and beyond.

River North

1. Upkey – 113 W Hubbard St – This education-tech company provides free online educational resources for students ranging from high school to college. One of the fastest growing companies with headquarters in Chicago, Upkey achieved a 776% increase in employee growth as of last year.
2. Copado – 20 W Kinzie St – Copado is a cloud-based change and release management solution that delivers quicker deployments, better visibility and traceability of your salesforce orgs, allowing you to manage errors proactively. Their employee growth hit a 147% spike last year.
3. Project44 – 222 W Merchandise Mart Plz – This logistics firm achieved a 110% growth last year. Project44 is a platform that connects shippers to 3PLs to carriers through TMS integrations, spanning the entire shipment workflow.
4. The Mom Project – 1 E Erie St – This quickly growing digital workplace connects companies with accomplished women that are looking for a greater balance of work and personal life. The Mom Project has grown 117% as of last year.

Searching for apartments near these Chicago based headquarters? Check out some of the current River North apartments for rent.

Chicago Loop

6. M1 Finance – 200 N LaSalle St – M1 Finance is an investing app that offers self-directed trading and automated investing. This fintech company is quickly expanding and hit a 259% increase in employee growth last year. 
7. Ashling Partners – 1 E Wacker Dr – Ashling Partners is a global hyper-automation team that empowers intelligent automation success. This IT consulting firm achieved 115% growth last year.
8. NOCD – 224 N Michigan Ave – NOCD, an app for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is another fast-growing Chicago-based firm, expanding at a rate of 140% since last year. This NOCD Therapy offers video-based OCD therapy and in-between session support.

If you’re looking for an apartment you can walk to work from, check out one of Chicago Loop’s many apartments for rent.

West Loop

8. Fyllo – 845 W Washington Blvd – This SaaS company is the world’s first MarTech platform for the cannabis industry. Fyllo is a suite of software and services that enable organizations to navigate today’s ever-changing regulatory landscape and has since seen a 174% increase in employee growth.
9. Fast Radius – 113 N May St – Fast Radius is another digital cloud manufacturing platform that allows users to order parts and manage their life cycles from product development through fulfillment. Fast Radius has seen 130% growth as of last year.
10. Safeguard Medical – 444 W Lake St – Safeguard Medical brings together life-saving products and knowledge of emergency medical skills that helps to preserve life. This medical company is also booming, with employee growth increasing by 225% as of last year.

Interested in living near one of these companies based in Chicago? Check out these West Loop apartments for rent.

The 10 Fastest Growing Companies Headquartered in Chicago

Aside from some of the fastest growing companies with headquarters in Chicago, there are also plenty of other large companies with headquarters in Chicago as well to explore.

Ready to find your next apartment near one of these Chicago based companies? Get in touch with us today! Our team of experienced professionals are here to help you find your perfect home – whether that be your next apartment or condo within Chicago’s top neighborhoods and beyond.

Looking for things to do in Chicago that aren’t your run-of-the-mill tourist attractions? We’ve got you covered. Check out our list of some of the most unique things to do in Chicago after moving. Below you’ll find a few of our favorite places to check out as you’re exploring the city!

Unique Things to Do in Chicago

The American Writers Museum

Chicago is home to many museums, including The American Writers Museum. Near Millenium Park in the Chicago Loop, The American Writers museum is a non-profit museum dedicated to educating the public about American writers – past and present. They also host a variety of virtual exhibits you can view online as well.

Logan Square Improv

Interested in catching a comedy show in the city? Check out Logan Square Improv. Located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, this blackbox theater dedicated to improv comedy has weekend shows featuring the best local talent in the city. Tickets are just $5 and it’s also BYOB. It’s the perfect way to kick off your evening with a laugh.

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is a bar and entertainment venue known for its jazz performances, poetry slams, and unique history with the Chicago mob scene. Stop by to watch a show, and check out Al Capone’s favorite booth.

Garden of the Phoenix

Located in Jackson Park, the Garden of the Phoenix is a traditional garden space dedicated to the U.S. and Japanese relationship. Constructed in 1893 as a symbol of friendship, the garden today serves as a space to honor and preserve this relationship and Japanese culture in America. Come in the spring and watch hundreds of cherry blossom trees begin to bloom. As a bonus, it’s free and open everyday!

These are just a few of the unique things to do in Chicago after moving, and there are many more scattered throughout Chicago’s historical neighborhoods that are just waiting to be explored. There is no shortage of fun and unique things to check out in the Windy City.

Looking for more insider information on the city? Check out our relocation guide here

If you just moved to Chicago or are moving soon, check out our expert guide to the Windy City below!

There are thousands of new Chicago apartments coming to market again this year, which begs the question- who exactly will be renting all of these luxury apartments? Many large, successful companies around the country are choosing to expand or relocate their headquarters in cities over suburbs and that trend has had a big impact in Chicago. In 2018, the Fortune 500 list included 37 companies based in Illinois, many of which have headquarters in the city. Let’s take a closer look at 5 of the companies headquartered in Chicago:

Boeing

100 North Riverside, Chicago, IL 60606

When talking about some of the top Chicago based companies, you can’t forget about Boeing. Ranked at number 28 on the Fortune 500 last year, the Boeing International Headquarters are next to Ogilvie Transportation Center, just west of the Chicago River. The company moved from Seattle to Chicago in 2001 and has operations around the world.

McDonald’s

1035 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607

McDonald’s kept the city on its toes over the last few years with their plans of moving back downtown. After 47 years in Oak Brook, the company briefly intended to lease space in Prudential Plaza in 2015 and then decided to build a headquarters in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood on the former Harpo Studios campus. The office opened in June last year with about 2,000 employees based there, plus the company’s flagship Hamburger University location.

United Continental Holdings

233 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606

The City of Chicago offered United two phases of incentives in 2007 and 2010 to relocate its headquarters from Elk Grove township to downtown. Today, over 2,500 employees work out of the corporate headquarters and operation center in the Willis Tower. There have recently been reports of United considering a new headquarters elsewhere in the city, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Mondelez International

905 W. Fulton Market, Chicago IL 60603

Mondelez recently made headlines for leasing a new building in Fulton Market and relocating downtown from Deerfield. The maker of popular snacks such as Oreo, Ritz, and Triscuits signed a 15-year lease with plans to move in 2020, just blocks away from McDonald’s and Google’s headquarters in the evolving neighborhood.

Conagra Brands

222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago IL 60654

Another one of the top companies based in Chicago, Conagra Brands, moved into River North‘s Merchandise Mart in 2016 from Omaha, Nebraska. The food giant also relocated employees from their Naperville offices downtown to bring everyone under one roof, featuring a modern, open floor plan.

Whether you’re relocating to Chicago for a new job or interested in finding an apartment closer to work, our team can help. Download our helpful relocation guide by clicking the link below or contact our team to start your personalized apartment search.

*This post was originally published in January of 2019 and has been updated to reflect new and additional information.

When searching for a new apartment in different parts of the world, you may have a few questions when looking to relocate. We’ve answered a few for you to help you get a better idea of how renting is different across various cities.

What is a Flat?

A flat is a single story living area with a group of rooms connected to others by a common area in a building with other similar residences. This term is commonly used in the UK, although various other areas in the world use this term with a bit different meaning behind it.

Flat vs. Apartment

The terms “flat” and “apartment” are used differently depending on which area of the world you live in. 

In the UK, one’s primary residence is typically called a flat, while their secondary residence may be called an apartment. In the US, any residence is called an apartment, no matter if it’s a primary or secondary home, studio or 1-bed. In the UK, flats are a single story, while apartments contain more than one level. In the US, the term apartment is typically used for living spaces of various different sizes, prices, and quality.

Both flat and apartment also give off different status levels in both the US and the UK. The UK considers apartments to be more of an upscale, luxurious version of a flat, whereas the US is the opposite. The term flat is not used as frequently in the US but when it is, it shares the same upscale and luxurious feeling of the UK’s apartment.

In some other parts of the world, a flat is a unit where its original purpose wasn’t for living, while an apartment’s original purpose was for living. Flats are also considered to have more character, while apartments are considered to be the newer, more cookie cutter version of living. In various cities, flats may also be considered of lesser quality.

How Rent Prices Differ Across Locales

When looking at how rent prices differ across the world, there are some similarities and differences depending on the cities’ size and popularity. 

When looking at the rent prices for 1-bedrooms in the US, rent prices for major cities remain in roughly the same ballpark with the rest of the world. When living in New York City, you could expect to pay upwards of $3,500 for 1-bedroom rent. Across the other side of the country in San Francisco, you can expect a very similar rent price of $3,300 for a 1-bedroom. In Los Angeles and Washington DC, 1-bedroom apartments usually are in the $2,000 range, and 1-bedroom rent prices in Chicago hover around $1,700.

Across the world, rent prices in some of the major cities can vary depending on which cities and countries you are living in. In Hong Kong, you can expect to pay $2,800 in monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment. In Zurich and Geneva, 1-bedroom rent prices are roughly $2,300. $2,000 gets you a 1-bedroom in Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Dubai, and Shanghai. In Paris and London, $1,700 is the average 1-bed rent price. In Vancouver and Frankfurt, rent prices hover around $1,400 for a 1-bedroom apartment.

No matter which city you’re looking to relocate from, Luxury Living Chicago is always here to help answer any questions you may have. Connect with our experienced team today to learn more about the apartment search process.

Moving from Austin to Chicago is a big step. To help ease the transition, we’ve created a list of things to do and see, places to shop, and restaurants to try here in the Windy City!

What To Do and See in Chicago

Austin is the capital of live music, and there’s definitely no shortage of that here! With Chicago being the third largest city in the U.S., just about every artist you can think of performs here at The United Center, Millenium Park, or other local venues.

In the summer, make sure to grab a hotdog and beer at a Cubs game in Wrigley Field or go explore the Lincoln Park Zoo with friends and family. 

Chicago’s architecture is known worldwide – and there’s nothing like seeing it from all three branches of the Chicago River. That’s why you have to take an Architecture Boat Tour to see some of the most famous Chicago landmarks.Rooftop bars are big in Chicago because of all the incredible city views, so it’s no question that you have to soak in the views at Cindy’s on a Saturday night.

Best Shopping Spots in Chicago

Chicago is ranked as one of the top cities in the U.S. for shopping, so finding new clothes won’t be a problem here.  

When you’re ready to hit up the shops in Chicago, The Magnificent Mile (‘Mag Mile’) is the place to go with nearly 500 shops along Michigan Avenue. Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Loft, Anthropologie, Gucci, and Michael Kors are just a few of the many premier stores.

Also along Mag Mile sits Water Tower Place, a 9-story mall with nearly 10,000 reviews! This is a great pick if you’re looking to make an afternoon of perusing shops. And if you’re not shopping at either of those spots, there are plenty of boutiques in Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and Wicker Park to explore!

Restaurants and Coffee Shops You Must Try 

When moving to Chicago from Austin, you may miss a few of your favorite brunch or dinner spots. Don’t worry, there are plenty of amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and bars throughout Chicago that will easily become your go-to’s. 

There are two things that are a must here in Chicago. One is deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s. Two is a Chicago-style hot dog from a ballgame or any local dive, including Chicago’s Dog House on Fullerton and Wrigleyville Dogs.

If you’re a fan of beefy sandwiches, you have to try an Italian Beef at Portillo’s or Al’s Italian Beef! 

Do-Rite Donuts is the place when looking to grab a quick, sweet morning bite. Their Buttermilk Old Fashioned Donut is what locals rave most about!

Coffee is what keeps us going in Chicago, so there are plenty of coffee shops to try out downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods that you have to visit! Some of the most well-known and highly-rated are Intelligentsia, Sawada, and The Wormhole.While moving from Austin to Chicago is new and exciting, finding a new home can be tricky. Let one of our experienced brokers at Luxury Living help you in your search to find your perfect place!

Relocating from the West Coast to the Midwest is a significant change. 

If you’re planning on moving to Chicago from San Francisco, discover some essential pointers to help ease the transition.

Cost of Living

San Francisco continually ranks as one of the most expensive cities to live in America.

For starters, making a move from San Francisco and Chicago would mean a lower cost of living. You will quickly find that your money will stretch much further in the Wind City.

On average, San Francisco is nearly 56 percent more expensive than Chicago.

The difference in housing costs is even higher, with homes running 131% more expensive in San Francisco. This means that it may be more practical to find a home with more bells and whistles in Chicago.

The Food Scene in Chicago

If you consider yourself a foodie, then you’re in luck out in Chi-Town. 

Chicago is known as a food haven, boasting a wide variety of international and delicious cuisine. 

From authentic hole-in-the-wall joints to world-famous restaurants, Chicago has it all.

The Windy City has also gained a reputation for its signature dishes.

For starters, there’s nothing like Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Be sure to try out Giordano’s Lou Malnati’s, some of the hottest spots in the city.

If you’ve never had an Italian beef or cake shake from Portillos, be sure to add that to your list as soon as you make it to Chi-town.

You also have to try an infamous Chicago dog, particularly paired well with a cold beer and a ball game.

If you’re looking for hip spots to grab a bite, stroll along ‘Restaurant Row’ to find some of the top-rated spots to dine, including Michelin-rated Girl and the Goat and Au Cheval, known for the best burger in the city.

Chicago Shopping

Moving to Chicago also opens the doors to incredible shopping.

People all over the world have come to appreciate the impressive shopping along the historic Magnificent Mile, ‘Mag Mile’ for short.’ This 13 mile stretch of Michigan Avenue houses nearly 500 stores. 

Some of the same notable brands have set up shop along this commercial strip. 

You can find some of the largest department stores in the world, including Neiman Marcus, 

Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Gucci, Giorgio Armani, and Hermes are just a few of the many designer label stores.

A few blocks north of the Mag Mile, you can find even more designer shops in the upscale Gold Coast neighborhood. Oak Street district is known as a haven for couture.

If you’re interested in shopping off the beaten path, check out some of the incredible neighborhood boutiques. 

The charming Lincoln Park neighborhood happens to be home to some of the most adorable local shops, many concentrated along Armitage avenue.

While moving to Chicago from San Francisco is an exciting shift, relocating is always a big project. Let one of our experienced brokers help simplify the process of moving and finding your dream home! 

The Difference in Cost of Living Chicago vs. New York

If you’re weighing Chicago and New York as a potential home base, be sure to have a realistic expectation of the standard of living each location provides.

As two of the largest cities in America, it’s no surprise that Chicago and New York are relatively expensive spots to reside; but how does the cost of living compare between the two metropoles?

When looking at the cost of living in Chicago vs. New York, you’ll quickly find that your money stretches further in the Windy City.

In fact, the Big Apple is 75.1% more expensive than Chicago.

So what are the most significant cost variances when comparing New York and Chicago?

Evidently, the median home cost is the biggest factor for the cost of living difference. The median home cost is 197% more expensive in New York compared to Chicago.

Additionally, the average cost of food and groceries, utilities, transportation, and health all run significantly higher in New York City than they do in Chicago. 

Apartment Rentals also Prove More Affordable in Chicago 

Prospective renters will find that our LLCR apartments are priced much lower than similar apartments in comparable neighborhoods in New York City.

Our team has contrasted the median rent of our Chicago one-bedrooms to the average cost of similar New York properties in comparable neighborhoods:

• The Loop ($1921) vs. the Financial District ($3,500):
• West Loop ($1,967)  vs. Downtown Brooklyn ($3,216)
• River North ($2,411) vs. Midtown ($3,300)
• Lincoln Park ($1,625) vs Village ($3,000)
• Bucktown ($1,700) vs. Williamsburg ($3,250)
• South Loop ($2,690)  vs. Long Island City ($2,850)

Along with a lower cost of living, Chicago also boasts an impressive selection of free activities for community members throughout the city.

During the warm months, residents take advantage of the public parks, trails, River Walk, Lincoln Park Zoo, and lakefront without having to spend a dime.

Year-round locals can also access various indoor museums and conservatories at no cost.

Choose Chicago provides an excellent resource to track down free activities and events throughout the city.

The cost of living in Chicago vs. New York isn’t a close competition.

If you’re drawn to the affordability that the vibrant Chicago city offers, connect with one of our experienced team members today to help you find your dream apartment rental!

Moving Soon? Use These Apartment Moving Tips to Make a Smooth Transition

This Is It — You’ve Found a New Apartment, and You’re Ready to Move

Whoa, there. It’s important to understand that just because you’ve fallen in love with a new place — in the same building or an entirely new apartment — doesn’t mean you should move without some thoughtful preparation.

You did your research to find your new apartment, right? You considered the location, amenities, features, and rent. So why wouldn’t you give some thought to how you’ll actually move?

Moving isn’t easy. It always costs money, and it always takes time. So, it should take some effective planning to ensure you’re making the most of both. Use the tips below to get started.

Make A Checklist — and Follow It

Imagine it. Moving day is here, and you’ve done all that you thought you were supposed to do. You boxed up your apartment. You’ve eaten up the food that can’t be moved. The movers are here, and they’re loading up your belongings.

That was easy, right? Yes, but easy doesn’t always mean smart.

Turns out you forgot to set up a forward with the post office, so the bills, subscriptions, or deliveries you didn’t think of won’t be going to your new place. The person moving into your old apartment is about to get your monthly box of goodies.

Also, you didn’t backup important files on your computer, and it’s about to come out of its box in pieces (thanks to the movers you didn’t research because you picked a company last minute).

You could have avoided all this during your apartment move with a simple apartment moving checklist. One that staggers tasks out over time, so you’re not overloaded or waiting until the last minute.

You Wouldn’t Want to Move Into a Messy Apartment, So Don’t Leave One Behind

Treat others as you’d want to be treated, right? This applies when the time comes to move to a new apartment. Just because moving may be hard on you doesn’t mean it isn’t hard on others.

You, your friends, or your movers are about to sweat. A lot. A lot people from different companies — utilities, services, etc. — will be performing important transfers and setups to ensure your new apartment isn’t too hot or too cold, and that the lights can be turned on when you get there.

So when you’re moving to a new apartment, remember to think about the person moving into your old apartment after you. Clean, clean, clean. You want your new home to be spotless when you move in, so leave a spotless home behind.

If your lifestyle or work keeps you busy, consider hiring a professional cleaning service during the week before you move. Otherwise, bust out the cleaner, roll up your sleeves and get to it.

The cleanliness of your apartment could have an impact on the deposit you get back.

If you live in a downtown Chicago high-rise apartment building, we recommend checking with your property manager or landlord to see what is required of you before you move out. They’ll be able to tell you what you are responsible for upon leaving the apartment, especially since most professionally managed buildings handle the cleaning of an apartment upon move-out. This will help you avoid any fees and time spent doing any major clean up.

When You Move Apartments, Be Prepared for Potential Charges from Your Landlord

You might be thinking, “What can my landlord charge me for?”

First, review your apartment lease. It likely specified what your obligations are to get your security deposit back. You may be responsible for returning walls you painted back to white, filling in any nail holes and so on — if you don’t, you could be charged. Things like faded carpet, age-worn appliances (not damaged due to misuse) and worn-out blinds are considered normal wear and tear.

Your landlord or property manager may have had you record the condition of a property before you moved in. Take photos when you do — and during your lease. When you move out of the apartment, you may have to provide a similar account of its condition. If your landlord attempts to charge you for something that you can prove was normal wear and tear, you’ll be glad you took those photos.

And remember, there are laws around what landlords can and cannot do with security deposits. Depending on where you live, if you don’t receive your full security deposit back without a written explanation of what was deducted, you may be able to take legal action if the deposit was large enough. In Chicago, it has become more common to be charged a move-in fee versus a security deposit. Move-in fees are typically non-refundable, but also a much smaller charge than a security deposit.

One final thing to consider is asking your landlord to perform a move-out inspection. The landlord or an agent will inspect the apartment and provide a list of charges that would be deducted from your deposit. Not only does this give you an opportunity to make those required repairs, but it also can help ensure you maximize the deposit you get back.

You’re Almost Ready to Move, So What’s Next?

Tasks, like gathering moving supplies, disassembling furniture, and finding the right moving company, are next on your agenda. Let’s review.

Get moving supplies. If you don’t already have enough totes and empty boxes, use services like Craigslist, Freecycle or U-Haul Customer Connect to search for free boxes. Simply search or ask, and you’re sure to get results. Retailers and other businesses may also be willing to give you their empty boxes (just make sure they’re sturdy enough to carry your stuff). Finally, get free boxes from people around you. Ask family and friends on Facebook, or ask a neighbor tenant if one recently moved in. Some moving companies even provide plastic bins for the move, which is a nice saving on time and the planet. So check with the moving company you’re going to use and see what options they have.

Taking apart furniture. Make sure you have a toolkit for disassembling bed frames, large tables and other furniture that otherwise would take up a lot of space. Consider using old towels, sheets or blankets to protect tabletops and other parts of the furniture that are visible. Bundle similar-sized pieces like bookshelves. Lastly, arrange your disassembled furniture close to the entrance of your apartment in a convenient spot. This will help you or your movers grab furniture efficiently (especially if your movers charge by the hour).

Finding the right movers. If you won’t be moving apartments yourself, finding the right moving company is important. Get referrals from friends and family. Check out movers on reputation sites like the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. Collect estimates from at least three moving companies and compare them. And above all, make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured. Get your movers’ USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, search it here.

All Right! Let’s Get Down to Business — Time to Start Packing!

This is an important aspect of your apartment moving strategy (and yes, it’s a strategy). We already covered taking apart furniture, but there’s much more to pack up.

First, consider what you can donate, sell or throw away. Some items like clothes you haven’t worn in a couple of years could be bundled ahead of your move and donated. If you’ll be replacing a certain piece of old furniture, put it up on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or a fair price. (If you’re downsizing, check out our useful tips here.)

For hanging clothes, zip-tie hangers together and put garbage bags over them to protect your clothes. Sort items like books and movies by category, and color code boxes by room. Wrap plates, bowls and other delicates in bubble wrap, towels or sheets. Wrap your TV in a blanket and secure it with tape. Carefully disassemble your computer, putting cords and cables in bags taped to their respective machines (again — remember to back everything up!).

Once everything is packed up, be sure to put the boxes where you or your movers can easily access them. Keep color-coded boxes together. And when it’s time to load up the moving truck, use the “I” formation — a handy guide courtesy of Penske that shows where heavier/larger items should be placed vs. lighter/smaller items.

But What If You’re Moving to a New Apartment in the Same Building?

Is a significant other moving in with you? Or simply want to upgrade to a 2- or 3-bedroom from a 1-bedroom? If your building permits it, simply upgrading your apartment in the same building could save you a lot of time and money. But, there are some important considerations.

First, how does moving in the same building affect your lease? You may have to sign a new one, or your current lease may be amended. Talk it over with your landlord or property manager once you’ve expressed interest. If there’s a waiting list, get on it right away and keep tabs on your position. If things change, do the landlord the favor of letting them know right away so someone else can get their new apartment sooner.

When you move, you may have to set up new accounts with utilities. Contact utility providers to discuss this, or your landlord if your utilities are managed by the property management company. Also be sure to notify your family, friends, and employer of your address change as soon as possible so they can make updates on their end.

And of course, plan your apartment-to-apartment move thoroughly. The landlord might let you start transferring boxes and furniture between apartments early. Depending on your belongings, you may still need to hire movers to help.

Before You Make the Move, Make a Plan

Whatever your goals may be, it’s important to make a plan. Take time to write out what you want, what needs to happen, who you need to talk to, and what your timeframe is. Doing so could mean the difference between a streamlined one-day experience that cost what you expected — or a weekend-long disaster with a tab higher than any downtown high-rise.

And remember, we’re here to help whenever you need us.

Not sure where you’re moving yet? Click below to explore the latest listings in the city!

Luxury Living Chicago has been helping clients move to Chicago for 10 years. Since we are a rental-focused brokerage, we have created the perfect strategy for searching for downtown Chicago apartments.

Answer these four questions before you start your move to Chicago:

1.) When Do I Need to Move?

First, a move date is important because apartment availability changes daily (yes, daily!). This is especially true during peak apartment season (spring and summer). As apartments come on and off the market, don’t waste time looking at apartments that won’t be available. To save time, be sure to ask exactly when an apartment will be available for move-in before touring.

2.) What is My Rent Price Range?

Rent price dictates everything from the size of the apartment to the building and neighborhood. Determining a minimum and maximum budget including parking and utilities costs can further guide the apartment search and eliminate looking at properties that will exceed limits.

3.) Am I Bringing My Dog?

Not all properties are dog friendly apartments. Because of weight and breed restrictions, large dogs can put a limit on available apartments and buildings.

4.) Am I Planning to Move to Chicago With Someone Else?

Not all floor plans are created equally. Living with a roommate? Pay close attention to two bedroom layouts to ensure bedroom walls are enclosed, and bedrooms are of equal size. A split floor plan is nice for privacy.

Finding Chicago luxury rentals is simple when a search criteria includes specific budget parameters, move date and a short-list of must-haves. Before you move to Chicago, think about what you are looking for in your next home to ensure an efficient apartment search.

Want the full scoop on moving to Chicago? Click the button below to download our comprehensive Chicago Relocation Guide.

Looking for answers about the apartment search process in Chicago? Our “Ask An Apartment Expert” series will delve into the specific details to answer questions about each step of finding a new home. This edition is about moving tips and tricks.

Q: What kind of advice do you have for someone moving to a new apartment in Chicago? 

Moving to Chicago, within Chicago, or in any big city can be a stressful experience. However, one of the benefits of living in the city is having an ample selection of services to assist you. I learned many lessons in my past moves here and am happy to share them.

My first (and most important) piece of advice is to hire professional movers. The first three times I moved in Chicago, I didn’t hire movers. After each move, I swore I wouldn’t try to do it myself again, but it took three miserable experiences to make me follow through. Even when I was moving into a ground-floor unit, the process was exhausting. But my most recent move was amazing- all I really had to do was pack and unpack.  Most moving companies in Chicago will even come early to pack your things and take furniture apart.

Another tip- start preparing early. Three or four weeks before your move date is not too early. Start packing the things that you don’t use often, like the kitchen gadgets that your mom got you for Christmas. If you have a large collection of t-shirts and sweatshirts, try using them as padding to pack up your glassware. Unless you’re having a big party before you move, wrap up that set of eight margarita glasses in some sweatshirts. Doing a little bit of work at a time will relieve the stress and pressure of moving day.

If you can pile your boxes and things in one spot, then you can do some heavy-duty cleaning in the other areas. This will cut down on the work you have to do post-move. While management companies differ in their policies for the conditions that you leave the apartment in, it’s always a good idea to do one more sweep or vacuum after the dust from moving has settled.

If you’re moving to Chicago for the first time, check out our Relocation Guide to get answers about downtown apartment search protocol, how much to budget for rent, and neighborhood information.