- On a trip to Chicago, I toured four apartment buildings in desirable parts of the city.
- Every building had studio and one-bedroom apartments that cost less than $2,000 per month.
- They had amenities like fitness centers, pools, and views, making me question why I live in NYC.
I live in a two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, but I want to move into a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Unfortunately, in New York, that means I have to spend well over $2,000 a month.
I live with a roommate in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and I pay $1,100 a month. For the past few years, I've dreamed of leaving Sunset Park and living on my own in a more desirable part of New York City.
But a one-bedroom apartment in New York is well out of my reach. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in New York in 2021 costs $2,927 per month, according to Apartment Guide.
I began looking elsewhere in the US to see if I could afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in another city. In my research, I learned Chicago could be an option.
When I started looking at places on Apartments.com and Zillow, I was shocked to see apartments were significantly cheaper in Chicago than in New York City: On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago in 2021 costs $2,131. The rents align with the cities' median incomes: In Chicago, the median income is $52,497 compared to $57,782 in New York City.
During my search, I also saw cheaper options in desirable neighborhoods that were under $2,000. I began to wonder what my New York City rent would get me in Chicago and whether I could afford an apartment without a roommate in the Midwestern city. I decided to book a trip to Chicago and find out.
When I arrived in Chicago, I headed to my first apartment showing at 1133 N. Dearborn, which is located in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
I toured apartments with PPM, a rental management company in Chicago, and 1133 N. Dearborn is one of their most popular buildings for younger people, particularly college students.
The Gold Coast, meanwhile, is an affluent neighborhood that's close to the waterfront, shopping, and restaurants.
I toured two studio apartments in this building that start around $1,650 per month.
The first studio space I toured was 450 square feet, and the second was 525 square feet. Although those are on the smaller side, I could easily see myself fitting into either of the spaces, especially because they had large closet space.
Since all the one-bedroom apartments in this building were rented out, I couldn't tour any, but I was told they range from $1,899 to $2,280 a month. That means I could get a one-bedroom apartment for less than $2,000.
Some of the apartments have a balcony with direct views of Lake Michigan.
For me, this was the most impressive feature of the building, especially at this price point.
If I wanted an apartment in New York City with a comparable view, I would easily be paying closer to $3,000.
Use of the building's amenities, like a fitness center, are also covered by the rent.
It was filled with treadmills, free weights, and even Peloton bikes.
There's even a pool with more views of Lake Michigan.
As someone who loves to swim, the idea of having a pool in my apartment building sounds like a wild fantasy because it is very rare in New York City. Plus, I would have to spend closer to $4,000 per month for an apartment with a pool in New York. But in Chicago, I could get access to a pool for less than two grand.
The second apartment building I toured was located at 100 W. Chestnut, where one-bedroom apartments start at $1,699.
This apartment straddles both the Gold Coast and the River North neighborhoods, which are considered affluent, desirable places to live in Chicago.
One-bedroom apartments in the building range between $1,699 and $2,085 per month.
I toured a one-bedroom apartment in this building and was surprised by the amount of space.
Overall, the apartment measures 720 square feet, and the living room is the largest space.
The kitchen is completely updated and has stainless steel appliances.
The kitchen in this apartment has more than triple the counter space of my current New York City apartment.
The bedroom is modest but still workable.
The views of Chicago from the bedroom window were also a perk for me. I could easily see myself falling asleep to the lights of the city.
This building also had incredible amenities, including a rooftop deck with amazing views.
The building also has a laundry room, a fitness center, and a community lounge.
Plus, the building has an indoor pool and hot tub.
The winters can get cold in Chicago so I would be able to enjoy this pool year-round.
Next I toured apartments at 750 N. Rush, which is one block away from the Magnificent Mile.
This apartment building is considered a bit more luxurious than the others I saw in Chicago. It's located right next to the Magnificent Mile, which is the main shopping thoroughfare in the city.
I explored a junior one-bedroom apartment, which starts at $1,754.
Unlike a usual one-bedroom apartment, this 640-square-foot junior one-bedroom apartment is mostly just a big open space with a half-wall separating the living room from the bedroom. To me, it just felt like a better-designed studio space.
But there's nothing junior about the large kitchen.
The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
The building has a fitness center, but the most impressive amenity is the beautiful pool.
Out of all the buildings I saw in Chicago, this one has the most impressive pool. There is an outdoor grilling area and lounge for residents to enjoy as well.
The last building I toured was over in Lakeview at 3130 N. Lake Shore Drive.
Lakeview is located right next to Lake Michigan and is considered a very desirable neighborhood. It's located near Wrigley Field and the LGBTQ neighborhood, Boystown.
This was the cheapest building, with studios costing as low as $1,280 and one-bedroom apartments costing $1,680.
The studios range between 400 and 450 square feet, while the one-bedroom apartments are between 700 and 750 square feet. When walking through the apartments, I could easily see my furniture and belongings fitting into either of the spaces.
I fell in love with the view of Lake Michigan from the apartment windows.
The Lakeview neighborhood is aptly named.
Although this building doesn't have a pool, it does have a dry cleaner and a convenience store in the lobby.
I've never seen a convenience store in the lobby of a New York City apartment building.
After touring four apartments in Chicago, I realized I could get a lot more for my money in the Midwestern city.
The four apartments in Chicago were all located in desirable neighborhoods, were spacious, and had upgraded appliances. They were also all less than $2,000 per month. Included in their rent, Chicago residents have access to pools, fitness centers, lounges, and views.
For $1,100 per month, I'm paying for just a room with no views and no amenities in Brooklyn. If I wanted to move into a one-bedroom or studio apartment in New York, I would have to shell out a lot more money for apartments that wouldn't even come close to the ones I saw in Chicago.
Like most New Yorkers, I've convinced myself that living in this city is worth the price tag, but I'm not so sure anymore. As I look around my apartment now, I have one thought repeating in my mind: I could be paying less for a lot more somewhere else.
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