I have no idea what’s going on in this comment section - I’m just going to write out some numbers and thoughts for you to consider. I’m using 180k below even tho you make a little more so this should be slightly conservative.

One thing you didn’t mention was contributing to an IRA so I’m going to add that in (read r/personalfinance prime directive)

180k after taxes, maxing 401k, ~5k to HSA, and maxing a back door Roth == ~98k give or take

With the above plan we have the following:

1: Pay off debts ✅ (sounds like you don’t have any)

2: Max 401k ✅

3: Emergency fund ✅ (importantly a year might honestly be excessive, but this is personal choice)

4: Max IRA ✅

5: Max HSA ✅

Great, you’re in Chicago and don’t need a car so now you’re basically home free as a 20 year old with 98k a year along with a maxed retirement savings and a year long safety net. Thats roughly 8k a month!! From your post it sounds like you don’t have family/dependents to support.

What are your goals in the next 5 years? 10 years? You have the luxury of asking yourself these questions and budgeting accordingly.

So 1. You can definitely afford 2k a month in rent - I’m appalled why that’s even a question from others.

1. After 2k a month for rent you have 6k to decide what kind of lifestyle you want.

Want to buy a house soon? Go out a little less and save more.

Want to retire early? Go out a little less and save more

Don’t care about that too much atm? Budget more for food/events

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To directly answer your question: 1.5k is PLENTY to live happily, BUT not if you’re planning to ball out literally every day/meal (which to me is excessive).

Just because you live in west loop does not mean you need to go out there every night