Is Bucktown Expensive?

Chicago, United States

+10% vs Chicago avg

Living in Bucktown, Chicago

Bucktown is a moderately-priced area within Chicago, with a cost of living index of 80.5 — that is +10% compared to the Chicago average. It sits around the middle of the pack at #7 out of 27 neighborhoods. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $2,200/month, compared to a range of $1,500 in Portage Park to $2,500 in Gold Coast.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Bucktown, housing takes up roughly 50% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $88,000 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Bucktown

Salaries in Bucktown reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 80.5:

After tax and deductions of 26.4% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $88,000 would be roughly $64,768/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

80.5
COLI Index
1.10x
vs City Avg
$2,200
Est. 1BR Rent
#7
of 27 Areas
26.4%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Bucktown

Estimated annual deductions on a $60,375 salary in Bucktown, Chicago (local employee).

Income Tax
14%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.7%
State Income Tax (IL)
4.95%
Total Deductions: 26.4%
Est. Take-Home: $44,432/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Bucktown would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $60,375
London GBP £51,958
Dubai AED AED 302,104

Other Neighborhoods in Chicago

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Gold Coast 91.5 1.25x +25%
River North 89.3 1.22x +22%
The Loop 87.8 1.20x +20%
West Loop 86.4 1.18x +18%
Lincoln Park 84.2 1.15x +15%

View all 27 neighborhoods in Chicago →

Convert Your Salary

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Bucktown:

Glebe, Sydney SoHo (South Howard), Tampa Belair, Luxembourg City LoDo (Lower Downtown), Denver Downtown LA, Los Angeles Studio City, Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bucktown expensive in Chicago?

Yes, Bucktown is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Chicago. It costs about +10% more than the city average, ranking #7 out of 27 neighborhoods.

How does Bucktown compare to the Chicago average?

The cost of living in Bucktown is above the Chicago average. With a multiplier of 1.10x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +10% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.