Is Edgewater Expensive?

Chicago, United States

-10% vs Chicago avg

Living in Edgewater, Chicago

Edgewater is a relatively affordable area in Chicago, with a cost of living index of 65.9 — that is -10% compared to the Chicago average. At #16 of 27, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,800/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 Edgewater, housing takes up roughly 40% 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 $72,000 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Edgewater

Salaries in Edgewater reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 65.9:

After tax and deductions of 24.6% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $72,000 would be roughly $54,288/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

65.9
COLI Index
0.90x
vs City Avg
$1,800
Est. 1BR Rent
#16
of 27 Areas
24.6%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Edgewater

Estimated annual deductions on a $49,425 salary in Edgewater, Chicago (local employee).

Income Tax
12%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (IL)
4.95%
Total Deductions: 24.6%
Est. Take-Home: $37,271/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

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

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $49,425
London GBP £42,534
Dubai AED AED 247,312

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 →

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Edgewater:

Quincy, Boston Kearny Mesa, San Diego Sunnyside, Portland Seminole Heights, Tampa Chofu, Tokyo Mueller, Austin

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edgewater expensive in Chicago?

Edgewater is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Chicago. It costs about -10% less than the city average, ranking #16 out of 27 neighborhoods.

How does Edgewater compare to the Chicago average?

The cost of living in Edgewater is below the Chicago average. With a multiplier of 0.90x, 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.