Growing up in the heart of the Midwest – Nebraska – it wasn’t uncommon to hop on a plane or in the car and drive to Chicago for the weekend. So when I was looking for a nursing job, it’s no surprise that I ended up in Chicago – one of my favorite cities in the world.
If you’re looking to take a travel nurse job in Chicago – you’re in luck! There’s so much to see and do in the Windy City that you’ll be entertained for far longer than 13-weeks.
Best Time to Be a Travel Nurse in Chicago
Chicago experiences all four seasons, and it’s no secret that during the winter months (November-March) the weather is frigid with winds blowing off of Lake Michigan leaving you feeling chilled to the bone. But with an awful winter comes an incredible summer.
If possible, I highly recommend taking an assignment in Chicago in the summer months to the fall months, July-October. This is when the city comes alive with Cubs games, outdoor patios, and festivals throughout the summer months.
The Best Housing Options for Travel Nurses in Chicago
There are so many great pockets of Chicago and tons of options when it comes to living. My personal favorite neighborhoods are Gold Coast, West Loop, Lakeview, River North, Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Wrigleyville (if you’re young and want to be in the center of the bar scene).
Neighborhoods in Chicago – Where Should You Live?
Chicago is the third largest city in America, meaning there are plenty of places to live! In fact, there are 178 recognized neighborhoods scattered throughout the city of Chicago. I highly recommend choosing your living arrangements based on what hospital you’re working at, or whether or not you can easily get to work on one of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) lines.
When choosing where to live, the cost may play a big factor. Chicago is pretty expensive, so if you’re taking an assignment and want to save some money, you may choose to live outside of Chicago and commute in. If you choose to do this keep in mind that the city can get congested so commuting to and from work may take a while.
The Best Housing Options in Chicago
- Cobbler Square Loft Apartments 314F – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
- Studio/1 bathroom
- Utilities not included
- Apartment on 3rd floor
- Parking available (at additional charge)
- Pets allowed (at additional charge)
- Concierge, gym, rooftop lounge, in-building laundry, pool table, game room
- O2S Captivating 1BR Retreat in Chicago
- 1 bedroom/1 bathroom
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Near the train tracks (possible noise)
- 3 min walk from public transportation
- Hosted by management property
- One East Delaware 31F – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
- Studio/1 bathroom
- Utilities not included
- Apartment on 31st floor
- Parking available
- Pets allowed (at additional charge)
- Balcony
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Media room, cabanas, fitness center, rooftop lounge, pool table, fire pit, concierge
- Stylish 2BR condo – Steps from Eats, Bars, & Shops
- 2 bed/2 bath
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Patio
- Street parking available
- 3 min walk to public transportation
- Wrigleyville #2 – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
- 2 bed/1.5 bath
- Utilities not included
- Apartment on 2nd floor
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Free parking (1 spot)
- Pets allowed (at additional charge)
- Cozy Spacious Logan Square/Wicker Park 2BR Apt
- 2 bed/1 bath
- In-unit washer/dryer
- 15 min walk to public transportation
- 3Eleven 1102 – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
- Studio/1 bathroom
- Utilities not included
- Apartment on 11th floor
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Free parking included (1 spot)
- Pets allowed (at additional charge)
- Fire pit, fitness center, dog park, media room, pet spa, rooftop lounge
- New 3BR Residence Adjacent to Wrigley Field – Outdoor Patio – BBQ Grill
- 3 bed/1bath
- Patio
- 1 dog (under 20 lbs) allowed
- 4 min walk to public transportation
- Cobbler Square Loft Apartments 315F – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
- Studio/1 bathroom
- Utilities not included
- Apartment on 3rd floor
- Free parking (1 spot)
- Pets allowed (at additional charge)
- Rooftop lounge, fitness center, pool table, game room, in-building laundry
- A Peaceful 2BR Coach House – Perfect for Long Stays
- 2 bed/1 bath
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Patio
- 9 min walk to public transportation
ANOTHER HOUSING OPTION IN CHICAGO IS TO STAY AT EXTENDED STAY AMERICA – BOOK HERE!
Read more:
Cost of Living in Chicago
According to PayScale, the median rent in Chicago is $2,080/month. Housing expenses are 52% higher than the national average, utilities are 3% lower than the national average, groceries are 5% higher than the national average, and transportation is 25% higher than the national average. Overall, the cost to live in Chicago is 20% higher than the national average.
Travel Nurse Salary in Chicago
There are tons of factors to consider when discussing what a travel nurse’s salary is. These factors include (but are not limited to)…
- Time of year
- Unit need (the more desperate, the higher the pay)
- Unit (specialized units generally pay higher than non-specialized units)
- Cut that your recruiter takes
- & more
In my opinion, Chicago is too expensive to accept anything under $2,000/week.
To better understand travel nurse pay, don’t miss:
Travel Nurse Jobs in Chicago
When searching for travel nurse jobs in Chicago, my biggest piece of advice is to find a recruiter that you trust and go from there. When you’re working with a recruiter to be placed in Chicago, make sure that the company staffs in Illinois and ask your recruiter if the company has had success placing other travelers in Chicago. (This is where that trust aspect comes in! DM me on Instagram if you’re looking for a trustworthy recruiter).
Transportation in Chicago
CAR
To live in Chicago, you definitely don’t need a car considering how well the city is connected by the train (CTA). Plus, parking can be expensive and hectic so you certainly don’t need a car to live in Chicago unless you have a long commute or you’re planning to escape the city often.
I did not have a car in Chicago. Whenever I wanted to leave the city for a weekend trip (within driving distance), I rented a car from Discover Cars.
If you’re planning on taking an assignment in Chicago without a car, make sure to read:
CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)
Chicago is well connected by train, or the CTA as its referred to. The CTA goes all over Chicago and surrounding suburbs and costs as little as $2.50 per ride. You can pay for a ticket each time that you use the CTA or you can purchase a Ventra card from a number of convenience stores like Walgreens and CVS and pre-load money onto your card online.
AIRPORT
There are two airports in Chicago – O’Hare and Midway. O’Hare is Chicago’s international airport located 18-miles northwest of the city. To get from O’Hare to the city you can take a taxi, ride share, or the cheapest option would be the CTA blue line.
Chicago Midway is located 11-miles southwest of the city. To get from Midway to the city you can take a taxi, ride share, or the cheapest option would be the CTA orange line.
RIDESHARE
Ridesharing in the city is quite popular. Both Uber and Lyft operate in Chicago and can be requested at all hours of the day/night. The taxis in Chicago use the app Curb, which is generally cheaper than both Lyft and Uber, but at times less available. I suggest downloading all three apps before arriving to the city.
Hospitals in Chicago/Licensing in Illinois
There are so many hospitals to work at in Chicago. There’s Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern, Rush, UChicago Medicine, and more. Since COVID, the hospitals in Chicago have become much more traveler-friendly. If you want to work in Chicago, but you don’t have your Illinois nursing license yet – plan to get it soon. Licensing in Illinois can oftentimes take a couple of months so you’ll want to plan well in advance if your dream is to head to head to the Windy City. (Oh and don’t forget to save those receipts so that your company can reimburse you for your license).
Apply for your Illinois license here.
For more on licensing, don’t miss…
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL NURSE RECRUITER TO HELP YOU LAND IN ASSIGNMENT IN CHICAGO, DM ME ON INSTAGRAM SO I CAN SET YOU UP WITH MY RECRUITER! OR FILL OUT THIS FORM AND A SENIOR LEVEL RECRUITER WILL REACH OUT TO YOU.
Prioritizing Your 13+ Week Stay – What Should You Do?
Whenever I arrive at a new destination, I sometimes feel completely overwhelmed by the number of things to see and do. I think to myself, how in the world do I accomplish all that I want to accomplish without wasting any time in 13 short weeks? Chicago is a city brimming with things to do! Below you’ll find my top suggestions on things to see and do, where to eat, and where to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Things to See & do in Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago – The Art Institute of Chicago is most notably famous for housing the most impressionist and post-impressionist artwork outside of the Lourve. This museum has been around since 1879, making it one of the oldest (and largest) art museums in the world with over 300,000 pieces of art. For hours of operation and purchasing tickets ahead of time, click here.
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise – By far, one of the coolest and most unique ways to see Chicago is on water. For more than 25 years the city has been running architecture cruises on the Chicago River, showcasing over 50 unique buildings and skyscrapers, explaining how Chicago became one of the largest cities in America in less than 100 years. The cruise takes you along different branches of the Chicago River and generally lasts about 1.5 hours.
Chicago History Museum – One of my favorite things to do in a city I’m living in is to learn about tits history. Luckily, the Chicago History Museum is one of the best museums in Chicago, where you’ll be able to learn about the city’s roots and uprising with displays on Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr, and historical events like the great Chicago fire. You’ll also see some of the great things that have come out of the city (like Plan B), and get to understand what makes Chicago so unique and stand out amongst other American cities. You can purchase tickets ahead of time here.
Christkindlmarkt – Christkindlmarkt is Chicago’s annual Christmas market since 1996, opening before Thanksgiving and closing around New Years. The market is modeled after German Christmas markets and it’s a festive way to celebrate the holidays with gluwhein, lights, delicious food, and Christmas cheer.
For a complete guide to Christkindlmarkt, don’t miss:
Weekend Trip to Traverse City, Michigan – Traverse City, Michigan is located about 5 hours (by car) northeast of Chicago. It’s a beautiful, serene, small town with wineries, lighthouses, and incredible restaurants. The best part is, it’s easy to get to and it’s the perfect escape if you want to leave the city for some peace and quiet.
For a more detailed guide to Traverse City, don’t miss:
Depending on when you’re visiting Chicago, don’t miss this guide to winter in Chicago, and this guide to summer in Chicago for more ideas on things to see and do in the city!
The Best Restaurants in Chicago
Alla Vita – Sometimes it can feel nearly impossible to get into some of Chicago’s premier restaurants, and Alla Vita is one of those restaurants. Serving some of the best Italian food in Chicago (their wood-fired table bread is divine) Alla Vita has it all – unique decor, incredible food, a lively atmosphere. It’s created such high demand that people wait for months to get in and even then, the reservations aren’t always ideal having you dine early in the evening or at closing time. But if you’re lucky enough to get a coveted table at Alla Vita, I say you take it no matter what.
Duck Duck Goat – Created by the famous chef Stephanie Izard, Duck Duck Goat has to be one of my all time favorite restaurants in Chicago. The restaurant has an incredible homey feeling, while also being unique, vibrant, and fun. Not to mention, the food is absolutely incredible. Chef Izard has three other restaurants in Chicago, Cabra, Little Goat Diner, and Girl and the Goat.
Gilt Bar – Gilt Bar is one of those restaurants that transform the world around you and takes you back to a later time. It has such an “old school” feel to it with plush chairs, ornate decor, upholstered walls, marble floors, and timbered ceilings, all contributing to a moody and elegant feeling.
There is also a speakeasy in the basement called “The Library”, open Thursday-Saturday, reservations not accepted.
Rose Mary – Similar to Alla Vita, Rose Mary is another one of those Chicago restaurants where you need to book reservations months in advance to be able to get a table. Rose Mary was opened by award-winning Top Chef Joe Flamm. The restaurant is named after his wife’s grandma and his grandma – Rose and Mary. One has an Italian background and the other has a Croatian background which is how the concept for an Italian Croatian restaurant came to be.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a table at Rose Mary, don’t miss out on the stracciatella.
For a complete guide to dining in Chicago, don’t miss:
DISCOVER THE BEST FOOD IN CHICAGO ON THIS LOCAL LED FOOD TOUR!
The Best Bars in Chicago
All Together Now – All Together Now is my favorite wine bar in Chicago. Located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village, I suggest grabbing a bottle of wine and some bites to share with friends, and sit down and take your time. The decor is timeless and the vibe is impeccable. It’s the perfect place to go for day drinking or a bottle of wine before dinner.
Sparrow – Sparrow is one of my all time favorite cocktail bars in the city. Not only is it the perfect date spot, but it’s also the perfect spot to cozy up in when the weather gets cold and you need a warm escape. The building has been around since 1927 so it has an old, rustic, speakeasy like feel to it. Sparrow specializes in rum drinks and craft beers.
Three Dots and a Dash – A fun and lively tiki bar, Three Dots and a Dash is a must see if you’re visiting Chicago. The tiki drinks are strong, the decor is on point, and the atmosphere is next level. There are over 200 different types of rum in this Polynesian-island type setting.
For a complete guide to Chicago’s bar scene, don’t miss:
Travel Nurse Essentials
FOR HOUSING
- VRBO
- Extended Stay America
- Hello Landing – Use code “PassportsandPreemies” for $250 off your first standard Landing stay
FOR RECRUITERS
- Fill out this form to connect with my #1 recruiter at Fusion
- Fill out this form to be matched with a senior level recruiter at Host Healthcare
FOR TRAVELING TO/DURING YOUR ASSIGNMENT
- To book a flight, I recommend this booking platform or Skyscanner to compare options (make sure to sign up for Going to receive free, cheap flight alerts)
- If you need to rent a car, I recommend Discover Cars
FOR WORK
TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW “HOME”
- For tours I recommend Get Your Guide, Viator, Take Walks, & Devour Tours (available in select cities)
- For tickets to museums and attractions in Chicago, I recommend Tiqets
Although you could never see and experience the entirety of Chicago in just 13-weeks, I hope that this guide helps you explore the best that Chicago offers in a short period. Travel nursing in Chicago is an incredible opportunity and I hope that if you’re reading this, you plan to take full advantage of the city.
If you’re looking for other ideas of where to be a travel nurse, check out these posts:
- Travel Nurse Guide to Huntsville, Alabama: Where to Work, Live, & Explore
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Austin
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Boston
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Fargo
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Omaha
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in San Francisco
- The Ultimate Travel Nurse Guide to Santa Barbara
- The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing in Seattle
For more information and inspiration on all Illinois, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinchicago” or under my highlights for “Chicago”
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you. Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.
Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
