Expenses: Chicago Compared To Dallas? (apartment, rentals, health insurance)

[saadrajabali]

I'm planning to move to Chicago to attend college. I actually wanna settle there but i was wondering if it is a lot more expensive than Dallas....is a 40-50k salary enough to settle in an "urban" area? Also, does anyone know the starting salary for the Chicago Police Department? Thanks.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by saadrajabali

....is a 40-50k salary enough to settle in an "urban" area?

yes. people live on much less. just depends what part of the city and how big/small you want.

[Avengerfire]

A starting salary of $43,104 -- increase to $55,728 after one year, $58,896 after 18 months (2007 figures)

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement up to 100% (including advanced degrees)

Prescription drug plan

Vision and dental plan

Paid sick leave

20 Paid vacation days

Retirement plan

13 paid holidays

Home purchase assistance

Annual uniform allowance of $1,800

Annual duty availability bonus of $2,920

[saadrajabali]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

A starting salary of $43,104 -- increase to $55,728 after one year, $58,896 after 18 months (2007 figures)

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement up to 100% (including advanced degrees)

Prescription drug plan

Vision and dental plan

Paid sick leave

20 Paid vacation days

Retirement plan

13 paid holidays

Home purchase assistance

Annual uniform allowance of $1,800

Annual duty availability bonus of $2,920

wow...thats really a lot

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by saadrajabali

wow...thats really a lot

Are you a cop or want to be one? If you want to go to college for a assoc. go to one of the City Colleges. I think its like $70 a credit hour.

[Evlevo]

You will have to change the way you live to stay downtown on less than $100K/year though.

That probably means no car (parking is usually $200/mo and insurance is more expensive). The good news is that you don't need a car since public transport is good and cabs are plentiful.

It is eminently possible, but you have to be willing to make some changes in your habits.

Also, make sure you reserve a "move in slot" for the apartment. Most urban places won't let you just move in any time you want like they do in the suburbs.

You probably want to use an "apartment hunter" too. They are basically like a realtor for rentals, and they are a huge help (property owner pays them, too so it's free to you).

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Evlevo

You will have to change the way you live to stay downtown on less than $100K/year though.

That probably means no car (parking is usually $200/mo and insurance is more expensive). The good news is that you don't need a car since public transport is good and cabs are plentiful.

It is eminently possible, but you have to be willing to make some changes in your habits.

Also, make sure you reserve a "move in slot" for the apartment. Most urban places won't let you just move in any time you want like they do in the suburbs.

You probably want to use an "apartment hunter" too. They are basically like a realtor for rentals, and they are a huge help (property owner pays them, too so it's free to you).

Who said he wanted to move downtown????

[Windy City John]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Who said he wanted to move downtown????

Who said he was a he maybe she's a she??????????????

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by Evlevo

You will have to change the way you live to stay downtown on less than $100K/year though.

That probably means no car (parking is usually $200/mo and insurance is more expensive). The good news is that you don't need a car since public transport is good and cabs are plentiful.

It is eminently possible, but you have to be willing to make some changes in your habits.

Also, make sure you reserve a "move in slot" for the apartment. Most urban places won't let you just move in any time you want like they do in the suburbs.

You probably want to use an "apartment hunter" too. They are basically like a realtor for rentals, and they are a huge help (property owner pays them, too so it's free to you).

You do not need 100K to live in Chicago! First, you don't have to live downtown. Secondly, if you want a car, you can live in a neighborhood with free parking to avoid the $200/month. Thirdly, if you don't live in a highrise, you don't need a move in slot. You only need that if you live in a place with an elevator. That's something you wouldn't worry about until after you sign a lease. Lastly, if you want to use an apartment hunter, they are good. You should also look on craigslist and through the chicago reader.

[j33]

I've lived in Chicago comfortably on less than 50k for years.

However, I do not live in the downtown area in a high rise paying through the nose for parking (in fact, I've ditched the car). I live about 3 miles from downtown in a two-flat (no 'move in slot' required).

I sometimes wonder where people get their information on the costs of this town.