Cost of Living in Illinois
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 1,439 cities in IL. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Illinois is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Illinois, with comparisons to national averages.
Illinois's average home value of $158,290 is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $71,368, and average monthly rent is $816.
Most Affordable Cities in Illinois
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Park City | $0 | $1,129/mo | $62,875 | 7,631 |
| 2 | East St. Louis | $52,700 | $597/mo | $30,992 | 18,278 |
| 3 | Cahokia Heights | $56,900 | $959/mo | $37,975 | 17,173 |
| 4 | Hoopeston | $63,400 | $803/mo | $55,180 | 5,039 |
| 5 | Kewanee | $70,000 | $775/mo | $49,668 | 12,280 |
| 6 | Paris | $71,200 | $755/mo | $51,798 | 8,154 |
| 7 | West Frankfort | $72,500 | $673/mo | $48,143 | 7,156 |
| 8 | Danville | $76,800 | $809/mo | $44,239 | 28,663 |
| 9 | Du Quoin | $78,000 | $702/mo | $47,632 | 5,780 |
| 10 | Murphysboro | $79,600 | $655/mo | $42,367 | 6,804 |
| 11 | Beardstown | $80,800 | $769/mo | $58,765 | 6,047 |
| 12 | Centralia | $81,600 | $775/mo | $47,308 | 12,009 |
| 13 | Pana | $82,000 | $670/mo | $45,083 | 5,277 |
| 14 | Rock Falls | $82,400 | $745/mo | $48,733 | 8,683 |
| 15 | Harrisburg | $84,800 | $717/mo | $48,488 | 8,608 |
Most Expensive Cities in Illinois
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glencoe | $1,354,900 | $2,097/mo | $250,001 | 8,715 |
| 2 | Winnetka | $1,206,300 | $1,750/mo | $250,001 | 12,508 |
| 3 | Hinsdale | $999,100 | $1,981/mo | $250,001 | 17,155 |
| 4 | South Barrington | $986,300 | $1,917/mo | $211,083 | 5,004 |
| 5 | Lake Forest | $909,800 | $2,120/mo | $228,120 | 19,190 |
| 6 | Oak Brook | $867,900 | $2,921/mo | $171,123 | 8,028 |
| 7 | Northfield | $807,700 | $2,917/mo | $180,492 | 5,683 |
| 8 | Wilmette | $802,200 | $1,968/mo | $192,300 | 27,550 |
| 9 | Long Grove | $746,700 | $3,501/mo | $235,368 | 8,266 |
| 10 | Lake Bluff | $739,400 | $1,826/mo | $205,735 | 5,834 |
Highest Income Cities in Illinois
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glencoe | $250,001 | $1,354,900 | 8,715 |
| 2 | Hinsdale | $250,001 | $999,100 | 17,155 |
| 3 | Winnetka | $250,001 | $1,206,300 | 12,508 |
| 4 | Hawthorn Woods | $238,114 | $592,800 | 9,145 |
| 5 | Long Grove | $235,368 | $746,700 | 8,266 |
| 6 | Lake Forest | $228,120 | $909,800 | 19,190 |
| 7 | Western Springs | $218,839 | $691,300 | 13,353 |
| 8 | Inverness | $215,810 | $704,100 | 7,541 |
| 9 | South Barrington | $211,083 | $986,300 | 5,004 |
| 10 | Lake Bluff | $205,735 | $739,400 | 5,834 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Illinois
What is the average cost of living in Illinois?
The average median home value across Illinois cities is $158,290, with average rent of $816/month. The average median household income is $71,368.
What are the cheapest cities in Illinois?
The most affordable cities in Illinois by home value include Park City ($0), East St. Louis ($52,700), Cahokia Heights ($56,900).
What is the most expensive city in Illinois?
The most expensive city in Illinois is Glencoe with a median home value of $1,354,900.
How does Illinois compare to the national average?
Illinois's average home value of $158,290 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $816/month is below the US average of $1,163.