Has anyone noticed that the standard rate in Chicago was 250, with few exceptions for really hot girls and now everyone is asking for $300 or more. I thought the economy was heading south.

Not only in Chicago but everywhere due to the Fed's QE program.  In general if the quantity of money in circulation rises faster than the number of people price inflation results. Apparently guys are paying the 300.  If no one paid it the gurls would have to drop their price back to 250, switch to another line of work or hit the lottery.

I dunno hun, my rates have not changed since 2008. I would not say 250 is the "standard rate" by any means.