As someone who loves good food but is on a tight budget, I’ve found that Barrington has a decent mix of affordable and higher-end options for dining out and groceries. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will typically run you around $16-$18 per person, while a mid-range place might be closer to $30 per person for a three-course meal. Groceries are a bit pricier than average, with things like a kilogram of chicken breasts costing nearly $9. But you can find deals if you shop smart – I usually stick to basics like rice ($3.87/kg), eggs ($4.25/dozen), and in-season produce. Utilities like electricity and internet are on the higher side, but not outrageous. Overall, I think it’s possible to live relatively frugally in Barrington if you’re mindful about your spending.

My husband and I are in our early 30s with no kids, and we find Barrington to be quite expensive for a dual-income couple. Our big costs are housing (we rent a modern 1-bedroom apartment downtown for nearly $2,000/month) and transportation. We each have a decent car and the associated costs like gas, insurance, and maintenance. Public transit is pricey too, with a monthly pass costing $100. But we save a bit by walking or biking when possible. Overall, our monthly expenses for two people are easily $4,000-$5,000 even without having children. The cost of living is high, but the proximity to jobs and amenities makes it worth it for our current lifestyle.

As a father of three school-age kids, I’ll admit that raising a family in Barrington isn’t cheap. Housing costs for a 3-bedroom place are around $2,250 for an apartment downtown or $3,500 in the suburbs. Add property taxes, utilities, internet, etc. and housing is easily $4,000+ per month. Groceries for a family of 5 run at least $1,000 monthly. School costs are significant too, from $1,400 for a private preschool to $9,000+ annually for an international primary school. Entertainment costs add up quickly with movie tickets, activities, and dining out on occasion. On the plus side, my wife and I both have good incomes, so while Barrington isn’t cheap, it’s very livable for our family situation. We prioritize housing, education, and quality of life over some luxuries.

Living in Barrington on a fixed retirement income can be challenging. My biggest expense is my mortgage ($1,200/month) for a modest 2-bedroom condo I bought years ago. Other costs like utilities ($200/month), groceries ($400/month for one person) and healthcare add up quickly too. I scrimp in some areas to afford little luxuries like the occasional restaurant meal or concert tickets. Getting around via public transit, walking, or affordable ride services helps keep transportation costs down. It’s an expensive city overall, but the amenities and walkable neighborhoods make it worthwhile for an active senior like myself. Just be prepared for sticker shock if you’re on a tight budget!

As a single 20-something just starting my career, I’ve found Barrington to be doable but definitely pricey, especially for housing. I pay $1,500 for a modest studio apartment downtown, which is a huge chunk of my entry-level salary. However, I try to offset that big rent payment by living frugally in other areas – cooking most meals, using public transit ($100 monthly pass), staying in for entertainment, etc. Going out to bars and restaurants in Barrington is expensive, with draft beers easily $6-$8 and mid-range dinners for two closer to $70. I sacrifice some luxuries now to afford living centrally and building my career experience. Barrington has a high cost of living for sure, but I’m making it work on an young professional’s budget.

Our family of five (two working parents, three teens) has found Barrington to be on the expensive side, but fairly typical for an affluent suburb. Our 4-bedroom house outside the city center runs $3,800 per month including taxes and utilities. Groceries for a hungry family of athletes are at least $1,200 monthly. The biggest costs for us are transportation (two cars, auto loans, insurance, gas) and extracurricular activities. Club sports fees, equipment, traveling for tournaments, etc. can easily top $1,000 per month. We make decent salaries, but there’s little left over for luxuries after covering necessities and investing in our kids’ interests/futures. The upside is Barrington has great schools, parks, trails and a lively community making the high cost of living more worthwhile.

As someone pursuing a creative career, I’ll admit that living in Barrington is a bit of a stretch financially. My income is modest, so I have to be very budget-conscious. I rent a small studio for $1,100 in a quieter neighborhood. Groceries and utilities run $400-500 monthly. I drive an older used car to avoid car payments and expensive insurance. I rarely eat out, instead cooking at home. Entertainment is thrift store browsing, enjoying parks/trails, and the occasional gallery exhibition. Barrington has a vibrant arts community, but the cost of living is quite high relative to my income. It works for now while I’m single, but I’d likely need to move somewhere more affordable if starting a family down the road.

From a health/wellness perspective, Barrington is quite expensive but there are ways to make it more affordable. Groceries can be pricey if you’re buying all organic produce ($4.58/kg for apples!) and meats. But items like rice, bananas, potatoes are still relatively cheap. Fitness is an investment, with gym memberships around $40/month. However, there are tons of free outdoor options like running/biking trails too. My biggest health expenditure is healthcare – I pay around $400 monthly for a premium insurance plan since I prioritize quality holistic care. But lower-cost plans are available. Overall, Barrington has fantastic recreational amenities and healthcare facilities, but you’ll pay a premium to access them.

One area where Barrington’s cost of living really hurts is in vices like alcohol and cigarettes. Buying a 6-pack of decent imported beer can easily run you $15-20. Drinking socially at bars ($6+ for a draft beer) adds up quickly too. Cocktails and wine are similarly expensive. And if you smoke, a pack of cigarettes is $14 here! I supplement my restaurant/bar expenditures by being smarter with groceries (buying store brands, taking advantage of deals, etc.). But throwing back a few beers on date night or at a sports game can put a real dent in the wallet. The cost of casual drinking and other vices is a factor to keep in mind when budgeting for Barrington.

My husband and I are avid travelers, so while Barrington is undeniably expensive for day-to-day life, we’ve found ways to cut costs to allow for incredible vacations and adventures. We live in a modest 2-bed condo ($1800/month) and drive used but reliable cars to avoid car payments. By cooking at home, hitting happy hours instead of full-priced drinks/meals, and limiting entertainment spending, we’re able to save significantly. That allows us to truly splurge on 2-3 big international trips yearly, staying in fun areas and not nickel-and-diming every activity. Sure, Barrington rent/utilities/groceries are high. But there’s a vibrant, global culture thanks to the diverse Community. For travellers, it’s a great home base if you manage your domestic expenses judiciously.