OP mentioned she charges her son $1,000 monthly rent which would include utilities.

You stated:

I am extremely curious as to where he gets the 1k every month for rent? I have a masters degree and a decent career and I would struggle to pay that...

Which leads readers to believe that you couldn’t afford $1,000 a month with utilities included. Provided your new information: your share of rent, utilities, phone, and CTA monthly pass would ring in slightly under $1,000 a month (if you’re lucky).

I make a lot more than 30k.

$1,000 monthly rent balances out as a third of that yearly income. Which is why I assumed you made less than that because you, once again, stated:

I have a masters degree and a decent career and I would struggle to pay that...

Which isn’t exactly true, is it? It’s just that you prioritize travel, dining out, and other lifestyle expenses over higher rent payments.