Choosing between Los Angeles and Chicago can affect many aspects of student life, including living costs, transportation, social opportunities, and career prospects after graduation. Los Angeles and Chicago also create very different student experiences. This article is here to help you figure out which city actually fits your goals, your budget, and the way you want to live day to day.
Cost of Living in Los Angeles vs. Chicago
The total monthly cost of living in Los Angeles typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,200, depending on housing choices, transportation needs, and lifestyle, while in Chicago, the total cost of living is roughly $1,500 to $2,500. Here’s how those costs break down by category.
| Expense Category | Los Angeles | Chicago |
| Monthly Housing Cost | Shared apartments near USC or UCLA: $1,200–$1,800/month | Shared apartments near major universities: $800–$1,200/month |
| Transportation Cost | $300–$700/month (car payment, insurance, gas, parking, maintenance) | $75–$100/month (CTA transit pass) |
| Food & Daily Expenses | $400–$800/month | $300–$700/month |
| Entertainment & Lifestyle | $100–$300/month | $100–$250/month |
| Estimated Monthly Living Cost | $2,000–$3,200/month | $1,500–$2,500/month |
Housing is the largest expense for students in both cities. Student housing in Los Angeles is often more expensive. The high rent of USC off campus housing makes many students look for shared apartments or consider neighborhoods farther from campus to save money. In Chicago, students can usually find more affordable housing with convenient public transportation, making Chicago a generally more affordable option for many students.
Universities and Career Opportunities: LA vs Chicago
Los Angeles and Chicago both offer excellent universities, but they provide different opportunities for students. Los Angeles is known for industries such as entertainment, technology, and media, while Chicago offers a broader range of traditional professional industries, with strong connections to finance, business, and consulting.
Los Angeles is a strong choice for students pursuing careers in the creative industries. Universities such as UCLA, USC, and CalArts are located near major entertainment, media, and technology companies. Students studying film, television, animation, digital media, music, fashion, gaming, and design can benefit from being close to studios, production companies, and creative professionals. The city’s industry concentration allows students to find internships, networking events, and entry-level opportunities during and after college.
Chicago provides stronger options for students interested in business, research, and professional industries. Universities such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University connect students with employers in finance, consulting, healthcare, economics, engineering, and research. The city’s downtown business districts offer internship opportunities across various industries, making Chicago a good fit for students seeking greater career flexibility.
The main difference between the two cities is industry focus. Los Angeles gives students a stronger advantage if their career depends on entertainment, media, or creative networks. Chicago offers a broader professional environment with opportunities across multiple industries. Students who already know their career direction may benefit from choosing a city that aligns with their field, while those still exploring options may prefer Chicago’s broader range of opportunities.
Student Housing in Los Angeles vs Chicago
Students consider housing one of the biggest decisions when choosing between Los Angeles and Chicago because the right apartment affects their budget, commute time, safety, and overall college experience. Los Angeles students often consider location the most important factor when choosing an apartment because the city is geographically spread out. Living closer to campus or future internship locations can save hours every week. Students searching for UCLA off campus housing usually consider Westwood, which offers the closest access to campus, as well as nearby areas such as Century City and Sawtelle for more additional options. Many USC students prefer student housing in the DPS area. Jefferson Flats is a popular USC student housing option offering furnished apartments. It is located within the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) patrol area. The modern building offers students an easy walk to school, fully furnished units, and upscale amenities. Some students also choose Downtown LA apartments, such as 1133 HOPE, because they prefer an urban environment with access to restaurants, entertainment venues, and transportation. However, USC students should carefully consider commute time because living farther from campus may increase daily transportation costs and travel time.
Chicago students experience a different housing environment because the city provides extensive public transportation options and more flexibility when choosing neighborhoods. Students can live in areas such as Hyde Park, South Loop, River North, Streeterville, or West Loop, depending on their university location and lifestyle preferences. Regents Park Chicago is a popular apartment building near the University of Chicago. This lakefront high-rise apartment in Hyde Park is about 9 minutes from the UChicago campus via ME line. The building also provides amenities such as an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, study lounges, rooftop lounge, laundry facilities, and 24-hour concierge and maintenance services. Its location near Lake Michigan gives residents access to lakefront trails, restaurants, and Harper Court shopping area. NEMA Chicago also attracts residents with its South Loop location, providing convenient access to Grant Park, downtown Chicago, public transportation, and nearby universities such as UIC, DePaul University Loop Campus, Roosevelt University, and Columbia College Chicago. The 76-story landmark offers extensive amenities, including fitness facilities, pools, coworking spaces, and resident lounges, creating a convenient living experience for both students and professionals.
Choosing student housing in Los Angeles and Chicago requires more than comparing apartment prices. Students also need to consider university location, commute time, neighborhood, amenities, and daily lifestyle before making a decision. For international students and out-of-state students who cannot visit properties in person, comparing apartments across different cities can be challenging. uhomes.com helps students compare housing options by city, university, budget, and apartment type, making it easier to explore choices ranging from USC off-campus housing in Los Angeles to apartments near universities in Chicago.
Transportation
Transportation is one of the biggest differences between Los Angeles and Chicago.
Chicago is one of the more car-free-friendly major U.S. cities for students. The CTA connects many university neighborhoods with downtown offices, restaurants, cultural attractions, and internship locations.
Los Angeles presents more transportation challenges. Students near UCLA or USC can live without a car, but many professional opportunities are spread across a large geographic area. Film students may need to travel to studios in Burbank. Media students may commute to Santa Monica or Culver City. Technology and gaming opportunities may require longer trips across the city.
For many students in Los Angeles, a car is not just a convenience. It can determine how easily they can access internships and professional opportunities.
If you want a true car-free college experience, Chicago has a clear advantage.
Student Life in LA vs Chicago
The daily student experience in Los Angeles and Chicago is shaped by each city’s environment, neighborhoods, and entertainment options.
Los Angeles offers students a lifestyle built around outdoor activities, creative communities, and diverse neighborhoods. Students can spend weekends at beaches such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach, explore restaurants and cafes in Westwood, Koreatown, and Downtown LA, or visit popular attractions like Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, and Hollywood. Students interested in music, film, fashion, and media can also experience the city’s creative atmosphere through events, concerts, and networking opportunities.
Chicago offers students a more compact city experience, supported by public transportation, walkable neighborhoods, and year-round activities. Students can enjoy Lake Michigan views along the lakefront trail, visit Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago, attend concerts and sports games at venues such as Wrigley Field and United Center, or explore restaurants and cafes in neighborhoods like River North, West Loop, and Wicker Park. Chicago’s CTA system makes it easier for students to move between universities, downtown areas, and entertainment districts without relying on a car. The biggest adjustment is the winter weather, as students need to prepare for cold temperatures, snow, and shorter daylight hours.
Los Angeles vs Chicago: Which City Fits Your Goals?
There is no single winner for every student.
Choose Los Angeles if your future depends on entertainment, media, design, or creative industries. The higher cost of living may be worthwhile, as the city offers career opportunities hard to find elsewhere.
Choose Chicago if you want lower living costs, easier transportation, and a wider range of career options. It is often the more practical choice for students managing a limited budget or still exploring their career direction.
For students who are undecided, Chicago is usually the safer choice financially and logistically.
For students with a clear goal in creative industries, Los Angeles may be the better investment.
The best city is not the one with fewer disadvantages. It is the one whose challenges you are prepared to handle and whose opportunities match your future goals.
Last Updated on July 17, 2026
