Cost of Living in USA (1. Chicago & 2. Los Angels)

Cost of Living in USA

[from_vijay]

Hi,
Can you please give me some approx. idea about the cost of living in USA.

I wish to know the monthly expences in USA in the following 2 locations.

1. Chicago & 2. Los Angels

Expences List
================
Income Tax
Rent
Car
Car Insurance
Phone (Land Line)
Mobile
Transportation
Groceries
Food (in working days-it is ~20 days in a month)
Gas
Utility Bills
High Speed Net Access
Other expence

Thanks
- Vijay

[rocknbil]

If you google for "Cost of living" there are quite a few hundred calculators out there that might help.

[PhraSEOlogy]

Rocknbill,

I just did the same thing (google: cost of living usa) and you will find lots of good info.

Also, the cost of what you can afford/buy/rent will depend on credit/job security etc.

I know, I moved form the UK to the USA. When I first moved here a tiny 2 bed apartment in a bad area cost as much to rent as my 3 bed home in a great area now!

Buying/renting/leasing a car is also governed by creditworthyness (is that a word?).

[Kirby]

Chicago is cheaper, but LA is a heck of a lot more fun.

[Eterion]

<---lives in Orange County, CA (about one hour south of LA)... cost of living here is VERY expensive... were talking $1100/mo for a decent 1-bdrm apt, $1400/mo for a 2-bdrm apt-and the units arent even that big!.
Gas is currently hovering in the $2.65/gallon range for premium unleaded...
but the beaches and the people are nice.