| Index | Bellwood | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 96 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 104 | 100 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Bellwood allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Bellwood stands at 99, marking it 1% lower than the national average.
The cost of living in Bellwood is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Is Bellwood 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 Bellwood is 10.2% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 9.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Bellwood has a median household income of $93,975, which is 15.5% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Bellwood, the transportation index stands at 1.6% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
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 Bellwood, healthcare costs are 1.7% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Bellwood are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $110,158 | $9,180 | $2,570 | $3,305 |
| Renters | $58,233 | $4,853 | $1,359 | $1,747 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Hodgkins, IL | 1,817 | 83 | 16.9% |
| Hometown, IL | 4,350 | 89 | 11.2% |
| Calumet Park, IL | 8,694 | 93 | 7.5% |
| Merrionette Park, IL | 2,017 | 93 | 6.6% |
| Maywood, IL | 23,986 | 96 | 3.6% |
| Bellwood, IL | 19,287 | 99 | 1.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Helena, AL | 19,288 | 101 | 0.9% |
| Cedar Mill, OR | 19,282 | 165 | 64.7% |
| Farmington, MO | 19,279 | 90 | 10.2% |
| Cortland, NY | 19,302 | 96 | 3.9% |
| Culpeper, VA | 19,271 | 117 | 16.7% |
| Bellwood, IL | 19,287 | 99 | 1.0% |
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