C-
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
54%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Algonquin Illinois National
Cost of living11598100
Goods & Services9698100
Groceries99100100
Health care115102100
Housing15495100
Transportation101102100
Utilities9298100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Algonquin, IL

Understanding the cost of living in Algonquin can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Algonquin cost of living index is 115, which is 15% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Algonquin cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 54.4% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Algonquin Affordable?

Is Algonquin an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Algonquin is 45.4% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 75.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Algonquin has a median household income of $160,762, which is 97.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Algonquin?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Algonquin, healthcare costs are 14.5% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Algonquin, is 54.4% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Algonquin displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Algonquin is 17% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Algonquin is 15% higher than the national average
  • Algonquin housing is 54% higher than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Algonquin

See all the best places to live around Algonquin

Compare Algonquin, IL Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$181,913$15,159$4,244$5,458
      Renters$96,317$8,026$2,247$2,890
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Algonquin, IL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Algonquin, homeowners have a median income of $181,913. Using that number, a maximum of $4,244 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $96,317, which means there is a maximum of $2,247 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Goods & Services

      Item Algonquin National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.97$27.621.3%
      Beauty Salon $45.42$51.1111.1%
      Toothpaste $4.20$4.092.6%
      Shampoo $1.53$1.540.8%
      Movie $12.99$12.880.9%
      Yoga $15.88$19.6619.2%

      Groceries

      Item Algonquin National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.72$7.700.2%
      Fried Chicken $1.55$1.666.8%
      Milk $4.76$4.730.6%
      Potatoes $5.31$5.261.0%
      Pizza $12.86$12.760.8%
      Beer $10.42$10.551.2%

      Health Care

      Item Algonquin National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $90.00$140.0635.7%
      Doctor $191.40$153.8224.4%
      Dentist $124.67$123.151.2%
      Ibuprofen $11.88$11.731.3%
      Lipitor $32.27$23.6136.7%

      Housing

      Item Algonquin National avg. Difference
      Home Price $474,882.00$326,622.0045.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,833.16$2,480.2526.1%
      Apartment Rent $2,531.00$1,444.0075.3%

      Transportation

      Item Algonquin National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.19$3.064.4%
      Tire Balancing $60.65$65.217.0%

      Utilities

      Item Algonquin National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $188.02$220.1214.6%
      Phone $201.97$195.713.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Round Lake Park, IL8,005991.0%
      Marengo, IL8,096955.0%
      McCullom Lake, IL1,222964.4%
      Union, IL699973.1%
      Wonder Lake, IL4,084972.5%
      Algonquin, IL31,82611514.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sterling, VA31,81613736.9%
      Petersburg, VA31,836919.1%
      Centereach, NY31,80814039.9%
      Winter Park, FL31,76813433.5%
      Sherwood, AR31,910973.3%
      Algonquin, IL31,82611514.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.