Moving from Toronto to Chicago could use some budgeting/investing guidance
I’m moving from Toronto to Chicago and could really use some guidance. It’s a big jump for me financially, and I’m also completely new to the U.S. system.
Income
$100K USD base
$142.8K total comp if I hit 100% commission
Paid biweekly
Monthly expenses
Rent: $2,159 USD
Utilities + internet: ~$175
Medical payment: $442 CAD (next 12 months)
Student loan: $159 CAD
Renters insurance: ~$20
Health/dental/vision through work: cost TBD
Investing
401(k): planning 6% of each paycheck to get the employer match
SPP: considering 15% of each paycheck
Could anyone in a similar income bracket share roughly how much you’re realistically saving/investing each month and how you split it up?
I’m also new to the States, so I don’t really understand where I should be investing outside of my 401(k)/SPP yet. I use Wealthsimple in Canada and love having everything in one place, so I’m a little sad there isn’t a direct equivalent here.
I’m mostly overwhelmed because this is a big move and a much higher cost of living than I’m used to. After all the payroll deductions, my biweekly take-home will likely be less than my monthly rent, which is intimidating even though I know that’s not necessarily the best way to compare them.
Would also love to know what people typically pay for employer health/dental/vision and whether there are any other U.S. expenses I should be budgeting for that I might not be thinking about.
Posted Aug 12, 2026, 3:30 AM UTC