State Housing Overview
Rent & Housing in Illinois
Based on comprehensive economic data across 337 tracked municipalities, Illinois presents diverse cost of living environments. Macroeconomic modeling identifies East St. Louis as the most cost-efficient market, contrasting starkly with the elevated real estate valuations found in Winnetka. Illinois assesses a 4.95% progressive income tax, while residential property taxes average 2.07%. Financial planning in IL requires careful alignment of localized housing costs against state-level tax obligations.
Use this state hub to understand the statewide housing baseline first, then drop into city pages for a household-level feasibility verdict. The key question here is not just whether Illinois is “cheap” or “expensive”, but which cities look most livable once rent, home values, taxes, and household income are considered together.
Data Updated: March 2026
State Housing Snapshot
Average Rent Burden
17%
Avg annual rent vs household income
Average Price-to-Income
3.3x
Avg home value vs household income
Best Cost Baseline
East St. Louis, IL
Index 59
Highest Pressure
Winnetka, IL
Index 274
Statewide Housing Verdict
Accessible
Illinois looks comparatively accessible at the state level, with 17% average rent burden and 3.3x home-price-to-income. Start with East St. Louis, IL if your goal is to find the easiest relocation entry points before checking city-level verdicts.
Average rent burden: 17%Average price-to-income: 3.3xBest baseline city: East St. Louis, ILHighest-pressure city: Winnetka, IL
Illinois Tax Radar
Max Income Tax
4.95%
Progressive Brackets
Est. Sales Tax
8.82%
Local + State Avg
Effective Property Tax
2.07%
Statewide Average
$
Default set to 2023 National Median ($74,580)At a gross income of $74,580, the localized Illinois marginal tax brackets exact an effective state penalty of 4.8%. This results in an absolute "tax drag" drain of $3,572/year compared to states with no income tax.
Cities Tracked
337
Avg Home Value
$304,470
National: $303,400
Avg Rent
$1,328
National: $1,348
Avg Income
$91,513
National: $78,538
Lower Housing Pressure Cities
These city pages have comparatively lower rent burden inside Illinois, making them strong candidates for the next housing-feasibility clicks.
Biggest Move-Market Cities
These are the highest-population city pages in the state, useful when you want the major relocation targets before exploring the full table.
Rent Pressure Outliers
These city pages show the highest rent burden inside Illinois. They are useful when you want to see where renting starts to materially squeeze household budgets.
Buy Pressure Outliers
These city pages have the toughest home-price-to-income ratios in Illinois, making them the first places to inspect when buy-side affordability is the core concern.
Winnetka, IL
Price-to-income 7.1x · Home $1,777,364
Glencoe, IL
Price-to-income 6.2x · Home $1,538,918
Oak Brook, IL
Price-to-income 5.4x · Home $932,075
Clarendon Hills, IL
Price-to-income 5.2x · Home $660,204
Burr Ridge, IL
Price-to-income 5.2x · Home $806,547
South Barrington, IL
Price-to-income 5.2x · Home $1,087,118
Most Affordable
All Cities in Illinois
| City | Pop. | Home Value | Rent | Income | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 2,707,648 | $312,457 | $2,292 | $75,134 | 111 |
| Aurora | 179,867 | $310,838 | $2,232 | $90,109 | 110 |
| Joliet | 149,785 | $255,981 | $1,559 | $88,026 | 97 |
| Naperville | 149,424 | $594,498 | $2,157 | $150,937 | 142 |
| Rockford | 147,649 | $172,610 | $1,151 | $53,328 | 80 |
| Elgin | 114,106 | $323,259 | $1,736 | $88,316 | 107 |
| Springfield | 113,714 | $155,200 | $945 | $65,537 | 76 |
| Peoria | 112,126 | $149,500 | $951 | $58,716 | 76 |
| Waukegan | 88,919 | $231,782 | $1,163 | $70,578 | 89 |
| Champaign | 88,822 | $199,700 | $1,417 | $57,544 | 87 |
| Cicero | 83,223 | $260,082 | $1,121 | $68,548 | 92 |
| Bloomington | 78,703 | $256,676 | $1,004 | $75,449 | 89 |
| Schaumburg | 76,780 | $341,525 | $2,108 | $94,690 | 113 |
| Evanston | 76,552 | $457,797 | $2,342 | $95,766 | 129 |
| Arlington Heights | 76,220 | $454,475 | $1,727 | $118,532 | 122 |
| Bolingbrook | 73,813 | $356,776 | $1,718 | $107,552 | 110 |
| Decatur | 70,368 | $97,300 | $796 | $50,809 | 68 |
| Palatine | 66,548 | $364,894 | $1,963 | $95,950 | 114 |
| Skokie | 66,427 | $402,995 | $1,491 | $93,550 | 113 |
| Des Plaines | 59,408 | $331,334 | $1,435 | $94,303 | 104 |
| Orland Park | 57,961 | $390,438 | $1,415 | $98,979 | 111 |
| Oak Lawn | 57,098 | $278,215 | $1,310 | $82,493 | 97 |
| Berwyn | 55,888 | $300,874 | $1,175 | $75,235 | 98 |
| Mount Prospect | 55,648 | $420,998 | $1,454 | $103,911 | 115 |
| Tinley Park | 55,007 | $319,323 | $1,518 | $103,819 | 104 |
| Wheaton | 53,453 | $487,986 | $1,731 | $119,566 | 125 |
| Oak Park | 53,315 | $449,363 | $2,038 | $108,026 | 124 |
| Normal | 52,908 | $257,111 | $974 | $66,350 | 88 |
| Hoffman Estates | 51,186 | $384,550 | $1,764 | $109,683 | 114 |
| Downers Grove | 49,867 | $482,252 | $1,589 | $119,649 | 123 |
| Glenview | 47,682 | $642,171 | $2,027 | $138,758 | 147 |
| Plainfield | 45,705 | $417,359 | $2,751 | $142,265 | 129 |
| Elmhurst | 45,538 | $600,063 | $1,877 | $145,374 | 140 |
| Lombard | 43,722 | $372,328 | $1,834 | $97,253 | 113 |
| Buffalo Grove | 42,824 | $429,066 | $2,042 | $129,820 | 122 |
| Moline | 42,235 | $141,900 | $887 | $63,959 | 73 |
| Belleville | 41,722 | $131,000 | $947 | $60,529 | 72 |
| Romeoville | 40,996 | $311,521 | $1,892 | $100,022 | 107 |
| Bartlett | 40,531 | $421,269 | $1,857 | $130,479 | 119 |
| DeKalb | 40,464 | $202,900 | $1,030 | $46,564 | 85 |
| Crystal Lake | 40,436 | $367,174 | $1,431 | $105,428 | 108 |
| Carol Stream | 39,427 | $368,752 | $1,465 | $105,395 | 109 |
| Park Ridge | 39,241 | $548,099 | $1,511 | $138,059 | 130 |
| Quincy | 39,188 | $146,100 | $824 | $56,372 | 74 |
| Streamwood | 39,055 | $316,351 | $1,849 | $101,049 | 107 |
| Wheeling | 38,495 | $300,002 | $1,578 | $83,251 | 102 |
| Urbana | 38,447 | $186,300 | $951 | $45,854 | 80 |
| Carpentersville | 37,544 | $281,744 | $1,420 | $86,327 | 98 |
| Hanover Park | 36,850 | $315,227 | $1,478 | $92,263 | 103 |
| Rock Island | 36,758 | $118,400 | $819 | $57,292 | 69 |
| Addison | 35,470 | $365,439 | $1,238 | $87,587 | 106 |
| Oswego | 35,463 | $319,000 | $1,823 | $119,881 | 107 |
| Calumet City | 35,253 | $151,309 | $1,138 | $53,991 | 80 |
| Northbrook | 34,642 | $664,345 | $2,334 | $155,321 | 152 |
| Woodridge | 33,889 | $394,535 | $1,547 | $97,263 | 113 |
| Glendale Heights | 32,864 | $311,718 | $1,562 | $82,232 | 103 |
| St. Charles | 32,733 | $452,223 | $1,788 | $115,350 | 122 |
| O'Fallon | 32,139 | $274,100 | $1,312 | $102,793 | 93 |
| Elk Grove Village | 32,132 | $375,390 | $1,574 | $95,216 | 111 |
| Pekin | 31,812 | $118,200 | $792 | $58,355 | 70 |
| Mundelein | 31,632 | $375,361 | $1,564 | $107,608 | 111 |
| North Chicago | 30,772 | $205,025 | $1,392 | $56,815 | 89 |
| Gurnee | 30,486 | $364,252 | $1,594 | $121,410 | 110 |
| Niles | 30,262 | $388,170 | $1,247 | $78,563 | 109 |
| Highland Park | 30,229 | $740,126 | $1,903 | $161,875 | 156 |
| Algonquin | 29,904 | $398,699 | $1,800 | $131,753 | 116 |
| Galesburg | 29,653 | $89,800 | $719 | $45,213 | 66 |
| Lake in the Hills | 28,853 | $363,715 | $1,634 | $113,491 | 110 |
| Burbank | 28,822 | $297,524 | $1,241 | $83,975 | 98 |
| Danville | 28,663 | $76,800 | $809 | $44,239 | 65 |
| Lansing | 28,415 | $192,686 | $1,271 | $71,805 | 86 |
| Glen Ellyn | 28,270 | $547,932 | $1,326 | $133,346 | 128 |
| Huntley | 27,859 | $412,719 | $1,385 | $86,349 | 113 |
| McHenry | 27,774 | $300,846 | $1,508 | $86,865 | 101 |
| Wilmette | 27,550 | $930,492 | $1,968 | $192,300 | 179 |
| New Lenox | 27,456 | $435,236 | $1,244 | $133,071 | 114 |
| Round Lake Beach | 27,081 | $245,370 | $1,382 | $86,632 | 94 |
| Chicago Heights | 26,938 | $165,587 | $1,035 | $57,479 | 81 |
| Oak Forest | 26,888 | $283,722 | $1,287 | $87,941 | 97 |
| Vernon Hills | 26,772 | $439,030 | $1,855 | $120,625 | 121 |
| Batavia | 26,730 | $445,310 | $1,255 | $119,167 | 115 |
| Granite City | 26,670 | $99,800 | $761 | $60,490 | 67 |
| Edwardsville | 26,543 | $320,541 | $1,231 | $92,671 | 98 |
| Woodstock | 26,316 | $323,711 | $1,174 | $83,293 | 100 |
| Lockport | 26,228 | $357,327 | $1,503 | $113,252 | 108 |
| West Chicago | 25,434 | $372,248 | $1,376 | $100,568 | 108 |
| Alton | 25,430 | $99,500 | $948 | $53,005 | 69 |
| Morton Grove | 24,687 | $418,136 | $2,210 | $106,078 | 123 |
| Homer Glen | 24,516 | $498,802 | $1,737 | $128,546 | 127 |
| Melrose Park | 24,513 | $299,810 | $1,194 | $64,740 | 98 |
| Belvidere | 24,510 | $153,100 | $943 | $62,462 | 76 |
| Zion | 24,466 | $238,066 | $1,139 | $62,574 | 90 |
| Kankakee | 24,384 | $105,500 | $986 | $45,119 | 71 |
| Westmont | 24,201 | $393,131 | $1,427 | $83,622 | 111 |
| Collinsville | 24,126 | $187,426 | $979 | $65,170 | 79 |
| South Elgin | 23,984 | $359,789 | $1,619 | $123,744 | 109 |
| Elmwood Park | 23,982 | $334,965 | $1,295 | $84,121 | 103 |
| Rolling Meadows | 23,981 | $315,543 | $1,563 | $100,424 | 104 |
| Freeport | 23,636 | $86,100 | $760 | $48,181 | 66 |
| Blue Island | 23,416 | $193,282 | $1,071 | $60,965 | 84 |
| Lisle | 23,413 | $414,929 | $1,540 | $106,173 | 115 |
| Loves Park | 23,185 | $190,933 | $1,102 | $58,633 | 82 |
| Maywood | 23,173 | $237,863 | $1,203 | $66,498 | 90 |
| Machesney Park | 22,744 | $196,811 | $1,109 | $74,244 | 83 |
| Roselle | 22,731 | $367,649 | $1,496 | $109,118 | 109 |
| East Peoria | 22,485 | $160,800 | $894 | $71,763 | 76 |
| Villa Park | 22,456 | $347,079 | $1,398 | $94,698 | 105 |
| Bloomingdale | 22,388 | $419,534 | $1,607 | $98,891 | 116 |
| Yorkville | 22,350 | $314,200 | $1,619 | $108,775 | 104 |
| Darien | 21,855 | $439,380 | $1,671 | $109,354 | 119 |
| Carbondale | 21,813 | $124,800 | $750 | $29,670 | 70 |
| Geneva | 21,299 | $520,948 | $1,805 | $136,621 | 130 |
| Montgomery | 21,205 | $321,311 | $1,897 | $96,985 | 108 |
| South Holland | 21,016 | $222,280 | $1,914 | $87,378 | 97 |
| Dolton | 20,979 | $150,176 | $1,399 | $58,706 | 83 |
| Park Forest | 20,898 | $148,861 | $1,341 | $62,305 | 82 |
| East Moline | 20,837 | $135,300 | $826 | $63,328 | 72 |
| Grayslake | 20,707 | $355,302 | $1,434 | $113,697 | 107 |
| Libertyville | 20,493 | $589,497 | $1,537 | $162,270 | 135 |
| Frankfort | 20,417 | $480,767 | $2,175 | $153,714 | 129 |
| Mokena | 19,906 | $440,383 | $1,405 | $129,017 | 116 |
| Harvey | 19,831 | $86,100 | $968 | $41,091 | 70 |
| Crest Hill | 19,754 | $278,915 | $1,386 | $71,408 | 97 |
| Lake Zurich | 19,727 | $479,339 | $1,782 | $139,959 | 125 |
| Evergreen Park | 19,498 | $276,805 | $1,425 | $95,738 | 98 |
| Homewood | 19,471 | $239,978 | $1,422 | $96,522 | 93 |
| Brookfield | 19,235 | $335,798 | $1,328 | $108,429 | 104 |
| Lake Forest | 19,190 | $1,150,871 | $2,120 | $228,120 | 206 |
| Deerfield | 19,185 | $625,254 | $2,345 | $189,705 | 148 |
| Ottawa | 18,714 | $144,500 | $922 | $73,011 | 75 |
| Matteson | 18,681 | $261,214 | $1,390 | $98,617 | 95 |
| Alsip | 18,650 | $258,629 | $1,102 | $67,557 | 92 |
| Round Lake | 18,588 | $317,780 | $1,494 | $108,965 | 103 |
| Bensenville | 18,576 | $334,411 | $1,374 | $78,298 | 104 |
| North Aurora | 18,375 | $387,874 | $1,596 | $111,781 | 112 |
| Bellwood | 18,373 | $240,414 | $1,221 | $76,990 | 91 |
| East St. Louis | 18,278 | $52,700 | $597 | $30,992 | 59 |
| Sycamore | 18,243 | $254,200 | $1,062 | $80,837 | 91 |
| Franklin Park | 18,233 | $303,216 | $1,103 | $76,009 | 97 |
| Shorewood | 18,218 | $400,515 | $2,087 | $122,648 | 119 |
| Palos Hills | 18,139 | $275,355 | $1,267 | $83,969 | 96 |
| Bourbonnais | 18,109 | $242,600 | $1,132 | $81,017 | 88 |
| Cary | 17,875 | $361,777 | $1,456 | $109,790 | 108 |
| Godfrey | 17,743 | $181,400 | $1,111 | $92,746 | 80 |
| Lemont | 17,643 | $552,812 | $1,211 | $126,100 | 127 |
| Jacksonville | 17,490 | $128,300 | $703 | $62,615 | 70 |
| Charleston | 17,212 | $133,700 | $819 | $49,057 | 73 |
| Cahokia Heights | 17,173 | $56,900 | $959 | $37,975 | 65 |
| Hinsdale | 17,155 | $1,202,422 | $1,981 | $250,001 | 210 |
| Marion | 16,796 | $145,300 | $878 | $57,281 | 74 |
| Bridgeview | 16,721 | $296,881 | $1,139 | $65,153 | 97 |
| Westchester | 16,524 | $348,961 | $1,767 | $103,561 | 110 |
| Morton | 16,503 | $238,900 | $1,001 | $87,760 | 87 |
| Country Club Hills | 16,419 | $197,751 | $1,677 | $77,463 | 91 |
| Mattoon | 16,334 | $96,000 | $764 | $47,308 | 68 |
| Fairview Heights | 16,255 | $166,800 | $1,177 | $77,960 | 79 |
| La Grange | 15,999 | $618,842 | $1,679 | $154,556 | 140 |
| Washington | 15,946 | $216,700 | $1,087 | $91,360 | 85 |
| Prospect Heights | 15,681 | $356,014 | $1,391 | $91,599 | 106 |
| Bradley | 15,331 | $164,400 | $1,181 | $62,940 | 80 |
| Norridge | 15,177 | $396,146 | $1,421 | $87,579 | 111 |
| Dixon | 15,166 | $113,300 | $865 | $58,371 | 70 |
| Macomb | 15,006 | $99,800 | $733 | $39,753 | 67 |
| Morris | 14,775 | $244,400 | $1,141 | $72,357 | 91 |
| Antioch | 14,751 | $339,403 | $1,118 | $118,635 | 101 |
| Chatham | 14,740 | $231,900 | $1,157 | $106,030 | 87 |
| Hickory Hills | 14,718 | $319,555 | $1,112 | $85,541 | 99 |
| Sterling | 14,670 | $107,800 | $780 | $52,647 | 69 |
| Swansea | 14,603 | $211,700 | $1,178 | $84,367 | 84 |
| Mount Vernon | 14,492 | $89,700 | $893 | $52,751 | 71 |
| Lindenhurst | 14,365 | $275,400 | $1,836 | $127,837 | 102 |
| Warrenville | 14,232 | $342,920 | $1,759 | $99,028 | 109 |
| Chicago Ridge | 14,147 | $222,176 | $1,198 | $69,389 | 89 |
| Shiloh | 14,109 | $276,900 | $1,098 | $100,058 | 91 |
| Midlothian | 14,024 | $224,833 | $1,202 | $67,872 | 89 |
| Wauconda | 14,010 | $268,300 | $1,304 | $112,438 | 95 |
| Forest Park | 14,000 | $269,282 | $1,352 | $81,323 | 96 |
| Beach Park | 13,988 | $288,322 | $1,235 | $83,069 | 97 |
| Wood Dale | 13,926 | $339,514 | $1,652 | $90,408 | 107 |
| Channahon | 13,854 | $372,088 | $1,718 | $121,458 | 112 |
| Glen Carbon | 13,521 | $326,803 | $1,088 | $92,434 | 97 |
| Hazel Crest | 13,493 | $169,734 | $1,439 | $62,773 | 85 |
| Canton | 13,408 | $106,900 | $814 | $54,881 | 69 |
| Lincoln | 13,406 | $111,600 | $804 | $54,390 | 67 |
| Western Springs | 13,353 | $839,910 | $1,932 | $218,839 | 168 |
| La Grange Park | 13,227 | $463,501 | $1,423 | $119,115 | 119 |
| Lincolnwood | 13,179 | $525,527 | $3,505 | $107,950 | 149 |
| Minooka | 12,632 | $361,866 | $1,780 | $122,163 | 111 |
| Richton Park | 12,576 | $211,346 | $1,313 | $71,724 | 89 |
| Northlake | 12,547 | $289,220 | $1,164 | $77,564 | 96 |
| Rantoul | 12,515 | $109,200 | $899 | $49,821 | 70 |
| Winnetka | 12,508 | $1,777,364 | $1,750 | $250,001 | 274 |
| Justice | 12,372 | $284,588 | $1,198 | $58,514 | 96 |
| Kewanee | 12,280 | $70,000 | $775 | $49,668 | 63 |
| Streator | 12,274 | $124,069 | $779 | $54,953 | 71 |
| Herrin | 12,271 | $109,100 | $1,016 | $58,501 | 71 |
| Effingham | 12,258 | $166,700 | $696 | $65,718 | 75 |
| Centralia | 12,009 | $81,600 | $775 | $47,308 | 65 |
| Palos Heights | 11,817 | $381,277 | $2,138 | $107,974 | 118 |
| Plano | 11,626 | $221,100 | $1,590 | $83,102 | 93 |
| River Forest | 11,489 | $708,168 | $1,411 | $148,711 | 147 |
| Pontiac | 11,483 | $148,048 | $818 | $59,579 | 74 |
| Schiller Park | 11,454 | $298,748 | $1,214 | $67,473 | 98 |
| Markham | 11,434 | $149,751 | $1,689 | $52,364 | 86 |
| Taylorville | 11,149 | $106,300 | $738 | $52,720 | 68 |
| Burr Ridge | 11,119 | $806,547 | $3,000 | $154,508 | 176 |
| Columbia | 11,063 | $290,100 | $1,089 | $107,922 | 93 |
| Waterloo | 11,055 | $237,900 | $873 | $92,005 | 84 |
| Barrington | 11,049 | $596,299 | $1,886 | $150,714 | 140 |
| Summit | 10,896 | $262,021 | $1,012 | $60,417 | 91 |
| Troy | 10,889 | $321,403 | $1,060 | $97,825 | 96 |
| Roscoe | 10,881 | $296,358 | $1,349 | $97,704 | 97 |
| Fox Lake | 10,872 | $245,832 | $1,059 | $69,896 | 90 |
| Worth | 10,731 | $260,726 | $1,164 | $56,998 | 93 |
| Campton Hills | 10,724 | $655,738 | $1,424 | $192,727 | 141 |
| Gages Lake | 10,706 | $322,195 | $1,741 | $105,114 | 106 |
| Crestwood | 10,622 | $190,601 | $1,300 | $68,686 | 86 |
| Pingree Grove | 10,576 | $298,300 | $1,219 | $119,880 | 98 |
| Riverdale | 10,515 | $108,794 | $1,204 | $45,709 | 76 |
| River Grove | 10,482 | $294,849 | $1,230 | $74,793 | 97 |
| Lyons | 10,391 | $264,134 | $1,154 | $64,209 | 93 |
| Manhattan | 10,315 | $383,611 | $1,220 | $128,375 | 108 |
| Wood River | 10,315 | $103,200 | $915 | $65,960 | 69 |
| Highland | 10,268 | $262,587 | $776 | $77,886 | 86 |
| Winfield | 9,982 | $444,963 | $1,381 | $143,102 | 117 |
| Harvard | 9,875 | $266,605 | $1,184 | $71,418 | 94 |
| Peru | 9,863 | $155,600 | $879 | $68,147 | 75 |
| Frankfort Square | 9,777 | $282,100 | $1,511 | $126,953 | 97 |
| Mahomet | 9,755 | $293,200 | $1,202 | $114,904 | 95 |
| Sauk Village | 9,724 | $144,061 | $1,504 | $56,946 | 83 |
| Flossmoor | 9,666 | $319,546 | $2,191 | $137,768 | 111 |
| Itasca | 9,525 | $432,319 | $1,779 | $111,898 | 119 |
| Rochelle | 9,477 | $153,000 | $962 | $63,373 | 76 |
| LaSalle | 9,471 | $109,500 | $1,011 | $54,246 | 71 |
| Steger | 9,449 | $164,976 | $1,035 | $59,691 | 80 |
| Bethalto | 9,244 | $158,600 | $879 | $66,469 | 75 |
| Sugar Grove | 9,233 | $441,712 | $1,608 | $116,250 | 119 |
| Hawthorn Woods | 9,145 | $712,856 | $0 | $238,114 | 147 |
| Willowbrook | 9,138 | $314,723 | $1,691 | $97,861 | 105 |
| Boulder Hill | 9,127 | $233,100 | $1,759 | $76,935 | 94 |
| Riverside | 9,079 | $529,805 | $1,435 | $149,219 | 127 |
| Lynwood | 9,047 | $268,697 | $1,151 | $76,619 | 94 |
| Manteno | 8,942 | $241,700 | $1,072 | $96,057 | 88 |
| Olney | 8,864 | $96,900 | $769 | $57,997 | 67 |
| Harwood Heights | 8,851 | $369,454 | $1,166 | $79,651 | 105 |
| Savoy | 8,807 | $280,700 | $954 | $88,828 | 91 |
| Monmouth | 8,794 | $88,100 | $652 | $59,690 | 65 |
| Mascoutah | 8,743 | $226,300 | $1,235 | $93,902 | 87 |
| Glencoe | 8,715 | $1,538,918 | $2,097 | $250,001 | 251 |
| Lake Villa | 8,707 | $365,056 | $1,430 | $111,110 | 108 |
| Rock Falls | 8,683 | $82,400 | $745 | $48,733 | 65 |
| Clarendon Hills | 8,642 | $660,204 | $1,124 | $125,826 | 139 |
| Glenwood | 8,620 | $204,479 | $1,639 | $71,376 | 92 |
| Harrisburg | 8,608 | $84,800 | $717 | $48,488 | 65 |
| Gilberts | 8,389 | $403,191 | $1,852 | $119,719 | 117 |
| Crete | 8,382 | $290,447 | $1,283 | $97,984 | 98 |
| Hampshire | 8,351 | $402,833 | $2,356 | $107,774 | 123 |
| Maryville | 8,280 | $322,408 | $987 | $100,813 | 95 |
| Long Grove | 8,266 | $899,262 | $3,640 | $235,368 | 194 |
| Rockton | 8,238 | $282,632 | $864 | $109,333 | 90 |
| Paris | 8,154 | $71,200 | $755 | $51,798 | 64 |
| Hillside | 8,133 | $272,815 | $1,265 | $70,772 | 95 |
| Oak Brook | 8,028 | $932,075 | $2,921 | $171,123 | 190 |
| Island Lake | 8,023 | $293,448 | $1,855 | $98,125 | 104 |
| Silvis | 7,939 | $161,300 | $975 | $67,569 | 76 |
| Lincolnshire | 7,937 | $625,800 | $2,655 | $179,735 | 151 |
| South Beloit | 7,930 | $228,379 | $925 | $81,836 | 84 |
| Broadview | 7,898 | $262,164 | $1,092 | $60,139 | 92 |
| West Dundee | 7,867 | $404,406 | $1,697 | $104,750 | 115 |
| Round Lake Park | 7,833 | $218,832 | $1,320 | $57,486 | 90 |
| Princeton | 7,829 | $131,300 | $739 | $57,682 | 71 |
| Inverness | 7,541 | $762,450 | $3,690 | $215,810 | 179 |
| North Riverside | 7,495 | $334,464 | $1,254 | $80,753 | 102 |
| Jerseyville | 7,432 | $124,200 | $826 | $71,623 | 70 |
| Salem | 7,341 | $99,800 | $752 | $57,083 | 68 |
| Greenville | 7,159 | $119,800 | $724 | $52,727 | 69 |
| West Frankfort | 7,156 | $72,500 | $673 | $48,143 | 64 |
| Marengo | 7,123 | $345,185 | $1,077 | $72,586 | 102 |
| Sandwich | 7,121 | $239,600 | $1,044 | $77,027 | 89 |
| University Park | 7,109 | $186,510 | $1,530 | $65,580 | 88 |
| Benton | 7,076 | $85,100 | $776 | $51,349 | 66 |
| Clinton | 7,012 | $101,200 | $916 | $55,960 | 69 |
| Robinson | 7,005 | $102,600 | $809 | $67,591 | 69 |
| Stickney | 6,957 | $282,715 | $1,114 | $67,307 | 95 |
| Mendota | 6,915 | $121,100 | $826 | $58,939 | 71 |
| Mount Carmel | 6,892 | $88,500 | $750 | $45,884 | 66 |
| Calumet Park | 6,836 | $180,800 | $1,157 | $57,389 | 84 |
| Chester | 6,830 | $107,800 | $642 | $74,673 | 67 |
| Litchfield | 6,814 | $100,500 | $645 | $54,190 | 66 |
| Murphysboro | 6,804 | $79,600 | $655 | $42,367 | 64 |
| Orland Hills | 6,758 | $323,102 | $1,373 | $118,281 | 102 |
| Winthrop Harbor | 6,663 | $238,800 | $1,262 | $94,221 | 92 |
| Geneseo | 6,577 | $196,400 | $952 | $65,226 | 80 |
| Volo | 6,398 | $293,800 | $2,229 | $145,906 | 109 |
| Johnsburg | 6,374 | $386,438 | $1,330 | $106,827 | 109 |
| Monticello | 6,332 | $196,000 | $1,030 | $88,611 | 82 |
| Countryside | 6,294 | $360,431 | $1,212 | $78,132 | 105 |
| Chillicothe | 6,185 | $128,500 | $798 | $62,108 | 71 |
| Braidwood | 6,175 | $274,245 | $1,089 | $83,365 | 93 |
| Pontoon Beach | 6,131 | $137,900 | $1,117 | $59,375 | 75 |
| Mount Zion | 6,076 | $200,300 | $696 | $110,786 | 79 |
| Elburn | 6,054 | $443,801 | $1,705 | $106,506 | 120 |
| Beardstown | 6,047 | $80,800 | $769 | $58,765 | 66 |
| Vandalia | 6,041 | $88,800 | $738 | $43,184 | 66 |
| Metropolis | 5,898 | $93,700 | $748 | $51,548 | 65 |
| Lakemoor | 5,878 | $282,497 | $1,711 | $96,929 | 101 |
| Willow Springs | 5,871 | $378,484 | $1,328 | $103,429 | 108 |
| Spring Grove | 5,866 | $400,088 | $0 | $133,224 | 111 |
| Bartonville | 5,854 | $128,000 | $1,056 | $67,674 | 74 |
| Lake Bluff | 5,834 | $615,993 | $1,826 | $205,735 | 141 |
| Peoria Heights | 5,834 | $118,000 | $921 | $62,083 | 72 |
| Carterville | 5,822 | $183,500 | $856 | $65,238 | 78 |
| Du Quoin | 5,780 | $78,000 | $702 | $47,632 | 65 |
| East Alton | 5,729 | $99,600 | $819 | $46,926 | 68 |
| Hillsboro | 5,693 | $95,800 | $841 | $48,158 | 68 |
| Genoa | 5,685 | $201,600 | $1,004 | $79,343 | 84 |
| Northfield | 5,683 | $815,430 | $2,917 | $180,492 | 176 |
| Carlinville | 5,574 | $108,000 | $736 | $52,738 | 68 |
| Spring Valley | 5,508 | $125,000 | $1,022 | $63,964 | 73 |
| Wilmington | 5,507 | $264,789 | $897 | $63,514 | 90 |
| Candlewick Lake | 5,459 | $169,200 | $1,539 | $94,820 | 84 |
| Lake Holiday | 5,402 | $235,300 | $1,859 | $112,250 | 96 |
| Lake Barrington | 5,400 | $520,035 | $3,060 | $132,857 | 144 |
| Posen | 5,331 | $185,842 | $1,478 | $71,994 | 88 |
| Grandwood Park | 5,311 | $313,000 | $1,797 | $124,847 | 104 |
| Pana | 5,277 | $82,000 | $670 | $45,083 | 65 |
| Highwood | 5,243 | $461,197 | $1,800 | $101,862 | 123 |
| Berkeley | 5,222 | $287,478 | $1,292 | $83,224 | 97 |
| Colona | 5,189 | $152,100 | $881 | $76,558 | 74 |
| Coal City | 5,145 | $211,600 | $1,064 | $73,030 | 86 |
| Monee | 5,104 | $336,585 | $0 | $89,571 | 104 |
| Eureka | 5,095 | $154,600 | $680 | $55,172 | 73 |
| Pinckneyville | 5,055 | $117,100 | $440 | $55,000 | 66 |
| Hoopeston | 5,039 | $63,400 | $803 | $55,180 | 64 |
| Milan | 5,037 | $120,300 | $817 | $61,188 | 70 |
| South Barrington | 5,004 | $1,087,118 | $1,917 | $211,083 | 196 |
FAQ: Living in Illinois
What is the most affordable city to live in Illinois?+
Among the cities we track, East St. Louis stands out as the most affordable option in Illinois. The median home value there is $52,700, and monthly rent typically runs around $597. The local median household income is $30,992, which tends to go further here than in much of the state.
What is the most expensive city in Illinois?+
Winnetka is currently the priciest market in IL. Homes there are valued at a median of $1,777,364, and renters can expect to pay around $1,750/month. Incomes are higher too — the median household earns $250,001 — but whether that fully offsets the cost premium depends on your lifestyle.
How are taxes in Illinois?+
Illinois has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 4.95%. Property taxes average 2.07% statewide — on the higher end nationally. Combined state and local sales tax can reach 8.82%.
How much does housing vary across Illinois?+
There's a huge range. In East St. Louis, the median home costs around $52,700. In Winnetka, that number jumps to $1,777,364 — roughly 33x more. Rents follow a similar pattern: approximately $597/month vs. $1,750/month. Where you choose to settle within IL can make a dramatic difference in your monthly budget.
Is Illinois a good state to move to?+
It depends on your priorities and budget. Illinois offers a wide range of living costs depending on the city. You can find very affordable communities alongside expensive metro areas. Home prices range from around $52,700 in budget-friendly areas to $1,777,364 in premium markets. Use the city comparison tool to compare housing, rent, property tax, and everyday cost pressure across locations in IL.
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Reviewed by LivabilityCalc Research Team
Financial Data Analysts · Census & Economic Data Specialists
Data Sources & Methodology
- Real Estate & Housing: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI, Smoothed & Seasonally Adjusted) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). Structural fallback utilizes U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates.
- Goods, Utilities & Services: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Metropolitan Area Regional Price Parities (MARPP), incorporating verified State Nonmetropolitan averages.
- Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (PMMS) via Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).
- Tax Context: State-level property, sales, and income-tax context used for place-side relocation planning. Personal take-home pay and offer analysis are handled by salary.city.
- Index Methodology: Weighting matrix derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CEX) distributional models. Baseline standardized at 100. (Read methodology details)
Last data update: March 2026 · Mortgage rates updated monthly