<p>Unless you are from New York City, you will probably be surprised by the cost of living in Evanston, which is probably higher than Chicago itself. I just went to Chipotle for a burrito, chips, and a drink, and it was $12.</p>
<p>We pay about $100/mo for electricity in a 3BR apartment where most people are out for most of the day, we are pretty good about turning lights off, and we use energy-saver bulbs. From talking to friends, this is more-or-less normal, expect electricity costs anywhere from $60-120 for a 3BR.</p>
<p>A ticket to a movie costs $10, drinks at a bar (even if you don’t approve) cost $3-7. Fast food costs $7-12, and eating out at a sit-down restaurant will be close to or over $20, even for breakfast at a moderately-priced restaurant.</p>
<p>Train tickets downtown are anywhere from $4.50 round trip (on the el) to $7 (on the Metra), and doing anything in the city will cost at least $20. Even going to a museum costs close to $25. The Lincoln Park Zoo is about the only free activity downtown (and highly recommended).</p>
<p>Hope this helps</p>