D+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
63%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bartlett Illinois National
Cost of living11998100
Groceries100100100
Health care99100100
Housing16395100
Transportation99101100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare103100100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Bartlett, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Bartlett is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Bartlett is 119, which is 19% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs significantly influence the Bartlett cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 62.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Bartlett?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Bartlett. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Bartlett Affordable?

Is Bartlett affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Bartlett, for instance, where the median home price falls 56.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 78.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Bartlett flaunting a median household income of $161,674, 98.8% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bartlett?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Bartlett starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Bartlett, the groceries index is 0.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bartlett cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bartlett is 21% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Bartlett is 19% higher than the national average
  • Bartlett housing is 63% 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 Bartlett

See all the best places to live around Bartlett

Compare Bartlett, IL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Bartlett?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Bartlett?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Bartlett poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$180,979$15,082$4,223$5,430
      Renters$74,133$6,178$1,730$2,224
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Bartlett, IL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Bartlett have a median income of $180,979. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,223 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $74,133, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,730.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Berkeley, IL5,2661000.2%
      Northlake, IL12,6961021.7%
      Carpentersville, IL38,3831022.0%
      Elgin, IL115,3361044.3%
      Hillside, IL8,1311044.2%
      Bartlett, IL42,16711918.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cedar Falls, IA42,1501000.2%
      Weslaco, TX42,1368713.1%
      Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC42,121n/a 
      Hutchinson, KS42,0738614.1%
      Hickory, NC42,059982.1%
      Bartlett, IL42,16711918.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.