Is Wicker Park Expensive?

Chicago, United States

+8% vs Chicago avg

Living in Wicker Park, Chicago

Wicker Park is a moderately-priced area within Chicago, with a cost of living index of 79.1 — that is +8% compared to the Chicago average. It sits around the middle of the pack at #8 out of 27 neighborhoods. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $2,160/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 Wicker Park, housing takes up roughly 49% 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 $86,400 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Wicker Park

Salaries in Wicker Park reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 79.1:

After tax and deductions of 26.3% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $86,400 would be roughly $63,677/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

79.1
COLI Index
1.08x
vs City Avg
$2,160
Est. 1BR Rent
#8
of 27 Areas
26.3%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Wicker Park

Estimated annual deductions on a $59,325 salary in Wicker Park, Chicago (local employee).

Income Tax
14%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (IL)
4.95%
Total Deductions: 26.3%
Est. Take-Home: $43,746/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

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

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $59,325
London GBP £51,054
Dubai AED AED 296,850

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 Wicker Park:

Ardmore (Main Line), Philadelphia Zilker, Austin Ocean Beach, San Diego Itaewon, Seoul Jongno, Seoul South Waterfront, Portland

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wicker Park expensive in Chicago?

Wicker Park is near the city average for Chicago. Costs are about +8% vs the average, making it a mid-range neighborhood.

How does Wicker Park compare to the Chicago average?

The cost of living in Wicker Park is above the Chicago average. With a multiplier of 1.08x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +8% 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.