IL • 377 Cities • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Illinois

Explore cost of living data for 377 cities in Illinois. Compare housing, rent, groceries, healthcare, and utility costs with detailed city-by-city breakdowns.

Cost Index

103.6

Average

Avg Rent

$1,698

/month

State Tax

4.95%

income tax

Avg Income

$77,902

/year

Cities

377

tracked

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All Cities in Illinois(377 of 377)

Living in Illinois: What to Know

Illinois has a cost of living index of 103.6, meaning overall expenses are 3.6% higher the national average. With 377 cities tracked in our database, the state offers a wide range of living situations from very affordable small towns to pricier metropolitan areas.

Housing is typically the largest expense category. Average rent in Illinois is approximately $1,698 per month, with significant variation between urban centers and rural communities. Median home values average around $565,805 statewide.

The state income tax rate in Illinois is 4.95%, which directly affects take-home pay. Factor this into salary comparisons when considering a move from states with different tax rates.

Illinois Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Illinois.

Illinois has a cost of living index of 103.6 compared to the national average of 100. This means Illinois is 3.6% more expensive than the national average. The state has 377 cities tracked in our database with varying costs across urban and rural areas.

The average monthly rent in Illinois is approximately $1,698 per month. Rent varies significantly by city — major metropolitan areas tend to have rents 30-60% higher than rural communities within the state. Our city-by-city breakdown below provides median rent, median home prices, and utility costs for every tracked city.

Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.95%. This affects take-home pay significantly — on a $100,000 salary, you'd pay roughly $4,950 in state income taxes.

The most affordable cities in Illinois include Niantic (-23% vs national average), Hometown (-22% vs national average), Harristown (-21% vs national average). These cities offer significantly lower housing, grocery, and healthcare costs compared to national averages. Explore each city page for detailed expense breakdowns.

Illinois offers average cost of living with 377 cities to choose from. Key factors to consider include housing costs (average rent ~$1,698/mo), job market, climate, and quality of life. Browse individual city pages below for specific cost breakdowns to help you decide.

Cost of Living in Illinois

Cheapest Cities in Illinois

Most Expensive Cities in Illinois

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All Cities in Illinois(377 of 377)

Addison

Algonquin

Allerton

Alsip

Argenta

Arlington Heights

Armington

Aroma Park

Athens

Auburn

Aurora

Bartlett

Bartonville

Batavia

Bedford Park

Beecher

Bellwood

Belvidere

Bement

Bensenville

Benson

Berkeley

Berwyn

Big Rock

Bismarck

Bloomingdale

Blue Island

Blue Mound

Bolingbrook

Bondville

Bonfield

Bourbonnais

Braceville

Bradford

Bradley

Braidwood

Bridgeview

Brimfield

Broadlands

Broadview

Brookfield

Buckingham

Buffalo

Bull Valley

Burbank

Burlington

Burr Ridge

Cabery

Calumet City

Calumet Park

Capron

Carol Stream

Carpentersville

Cary

Catlin

Cerro Gordo

Champaign

Channahon

Chatham

Cherry Valley

Chicago

Chicago Heights

Chicago Ridge

Chillicothe

Cicero

Cisco

Clarendon Hills

Coal City

Congerville

Cortland

Country Club Hills

Crest Hill

Crete