What Salary You Need to Live in Evanston, IL

Let’s Set the Stage

When it comes to living comfortably, most people envision having enough income to cover essential expenses, enjoy some discretionary spending, and save for the future. In Evanston, IL, a comfortable lifestyle in 2025 typically means renting a decent apartment or owning a home, being able to pay all your bills on time, and having money left over for dining out, entertainment, and building your savings.

So how much does it actually cost to live comfortably in Evanston in 2025? While everyone’s definition of comfort varies, there are some general income benchmarks to consider. For a single person, a gross monthly income of around $4,000 is a good starting point for living comfortably in Evanston. Couples without children often need around $5,500 per month, while a family of four typically requires at least $7,000 monthly to live well.

Of course, these are just rough guidelines. Your specific comfort level will depend on factors like your housing situation, lifestyle preferences, and financial goals. Let’s break down the numbers in more detail.

Essential Monthly Costs

To get a baseline for how much you need to live in Evanston, let’s look at the essential expenses most households have to cover each month:

• Housing: Rent for a decent 1-bedroom apartment in Evanston typically starts around $1,800/month as of 2025. If you’re looking to buy a home, expect to pay at least $2,500/month for a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance.
• Utilities: Plan on spending around $200/month for electricity, gas, water/sewer, and trash collection. High-speed internet and a basic cell phone plan will add another $150 or so.
• Transportation: If you own a car, budget at least $500/month for payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance. Using public transit or ride-sharing will lower your costs, but you should still allocate $100-$200 monthly.
• Groceries and Household Items: Expect to spend around $400/month on groceries and basic household goods if you’re single, or $800+ for a family.
• Healthcare: Even with insurance, plan on $300/month per person for premiums, prescriptions, and routine care. Families with young children may spend more.

Here’s an example of a bare-bones monthly budget for a single person in Evanston:

🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Evanston: $1,850/month

Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type

Of course, living comfortably means more than just scraping by. Most people want to have money for discretionary purchases, savings, and financial security. Here’s a breakdown of what a comfortable lifestyle might look like for different household types in Evanston:

• Single Adult: Gross monthly income of $4,000-$5,000
  • $1,800-$2,200 for a nice 1BR apartment or small house
  • $1,000 for essential expenses like food, utilities, and transportation
  • $800-$1,200 for discretionary spending and savings
• Couple Without Children: Gross monthly income of $5,500-$7,000
  • $2,200-$2,800 for a 2BR apartment or modest home
  • $1,500 for doubled-up essential costs
  • $1,200-$1,800 for extras like dining out, hobbies, and investing
• Family of Four: Gross monthly income of $7,000-$9,000+
  • $2,500-$3,500 for a 3BR apartment or house suited for kids
  • $2,500-$3,000 for higher food, utility, transportation, and healthcare costs
  • $1,500-$2,500 for family activities, savings, and breathing room

Here’s a table summarizing comfortable income ranges for different lifestyles in Evanston:

Keep in mind, these ranges represent a middle-class lifestyle in Evanston. You can certainly live on less, but you may need to make tradeoffs in terms of housing, entertainment, and saving/investing. If you want to live more luxuriously, you may need an even higher income.

Hidden or Overlooked Costs

When creating your Evanston budget, don’t forget to account for some often-overlooked expenses:

• HOA or Condo Fees: If you buy a property with shared spaces and amenities, you’ll likely pay $200-$500+ per month.
• Childcare: Full-time daycare or preschool can easily cost $1,500/month or more per child in Evanston.
• Commuting: If you work outside the neighborhood, include gas, tolls, parking, and vehicle wear-and-tear in your budget.
• Seasonal Utilities: Your heating and cooling costs may vary by $100/month or more between summer and winter.

Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Evanston

While Evanston isn’t the cheapest place to live, there are still ways to make your money go further:

• Look into energy-efficiency rebates from your utility providers, or consider installing solar panels for long-term savings.
• Take advantage of free days at local museums and attractions, or visit nearby forest preserves for low-cost recreation.
• Shop for groceries and household items at discount stores like Aldi or Walmart, or buy non-perishables in bulk at Costco.
• Plan ahead for irregular expenses like summer childcare, holiday gifts, and annual insurance premiums by setting aside money each month.

By being proactive and strategic with your spending, you can often find ways to save without sacrificing your quality of life.

Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?

Ultimately, how much you need to live comfortably in Evanston depends on your unique circumstances and priorities. If you value space and privacy, a $4,500+/month lifestyle may be more realistic for a single person or couple. On the other hand, if you’re willing to live with roommates or cook most of your meals at home, you may be comfortable with less.

Your stage of life also plays a role. Young professionals may be content renting a small apartment and going out a few times a week, while families with children typically need more space and budget room. And as you approach retirement, you may prioritize saving over discretionary spending.

The key is to be honest about your needs and wants, and to create a budget that aligns with your values. Monthly Budget Examples for Evanston Residents can give you a helpful starting point.

FAQs About Comfort and Cost in Evanston

What is a comfortable salary in Evanston?
For a single person, a gross income of $48,000-$60,000 per year is generally considered comfortable in Evanston. Couples often need $66,000-$84,000, while families may require $84,000-$108,000 or more.

Can you live comfortably on $3,000 per month in Evanston?

It’s possible for a single person to get by on $3,000/month in Evanston, but it likely won’t be a very comfortable lifestyle. You’d need to find a low-cost living situation and limit your discretionary spending.

What costs surprise new Evanston residents the most?
New residents are often caught off guard by Evanston’s high housing costs, particularly if they’re coming from a less expensive area. Property taxes, home maintenance costs, and seasonal utilities can also be surprisingly high.

Final Thoughts on Comfortable Living in Evanston

By now, you should have a clearer picture of how much it costs to live comfortably in Evanston in 2025. For most people, a comfortable lifestyle will require a gross monthly income between $4,000 and $9,000, depending on household size and preferences.

Of course, these figures are just general guidelines. Your specific needs may be higher or lower based on your unique situation. But by understanding the typical costs of living in Evanston, you can create a realistic budget and make informed decisions about your finances.

Are you considering a move to Evanston or a nearby suburb? Check out our cost of living comparisons for other Chicagoland cities to see how they stack up.