Chicago is a downright expensive city to live in. Cook County recently rose its sales tax by one percent, Rahm just announced the largest property tax hike in modern Chicago history and going out for a night of $10 cocktails can put a huge hole in your bank account. But there are many things in Chicago that are incredibly cheap. From greasy food to solid apartments, here are 10 things that are actually cheaper in Chicago than other cities across the country.
Cruising down the street in your Uber: Chicago has the cheapest UberX rates in the nation, a trait that the city may lose with a looming $1 municipal tax on every ride. But either way, the ride-sharing service is way cheaper than a cab in New York, LA and most other major U.S. cities.
Educating yourself at a cultural institution: Chicago has an amazing lineup of free museum days, giving everyone in the city a good opportunity to avoid paying admission to take in some of the best art and culture the town has to offer. Also, attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Garfield Park Conservatory are free all year.
Laughing your tuckus off at a comedy show: There are loads of comedy shows around town where Chicago-based comics hone their craft. The Second City and iO both have a litany of shows that are either free or as cheap as $5. New York and LA don't offer as many chances to see a hilarious comedian on the cheap two years before they make it big.
Rolling around on the shoreline: Unlike a lot of beaches across the country, Chicago's are absolutely free and open to the public. From Connecticut to Wisconsin to California, there's no shortage of private beaches trying to profit from sandy waterfront areas.
Getting nautical: The Water Taxi costs $3 for a one-way ticket, and $8 for a day long pass. Try hopping on a boat and enjoying amazing skyline views anywhere else in the world for less than $10.
Finding and renting an apartment: Chicago's apartment market is not too difficult to navigate, which by and large negates the need for a realtor. Also, you'll rarely pay a broker's fee or a water bill, and an affordable place isn't synonymous with a closet.
Taking yourself out to the ball game: The Cubs' recent success has made their ticket prices soar even higher. The same can be applied to the Blackhawks and the Bulls. A Bears game costs an arm and a leg for nosebleed seats. But we still have our humble White Sox, who have a tough time filling seats even when they're winning. On top of that, if you head down to Bridgeport for a game, you'll find some of the best stadium food in the country.
Munching on delicious, filling grub: Chicago's food truck scene has exploded with affordable options over the past few years. There's also the ever-cheap staple of the hot dog. You can even get $1 oysters at restaurants across town pretty much every day of the week.
Grooving out to live tunes: Chicago's endless schedule of street music festivals during the summer bring some amazing bands that would usually cost more than $20 to see in a club. Downtown Sound brings a slew of great acts to the majestic Pritzker Pavilion. When it's too cold for an outdoor show, Chicago's deep roster of rock clubs have regular shows for as cheap as $5.
Securing a parking spot: There are a lot of problems that have trickled down from Mayor Daley's sale of the city's parking meters, but there is still a lot of free street parking around town. Metered parking is generally free after 10pm, and you usually don't have to circle the block 10 times before finding a spot.