i also work in downtown but i live in suburb. you don't get good apartment for cheaper price in downtown. good apartments like presidential towers are very very expensive where single bedroom cost around 1200. if you live in some crappy one with window ac which was built in 1920, you get it for really cheap price. so think about it. if you have car, u don't have to live in downtown. live somewhere close to metra or cta train station and your problem will be solved.