A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
24%
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 Blue Island Illinois National
Cost of living9398100
Groceries101100100
Health care101100100
Housing7695100
Transportation105101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare95100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Blue Island, IL

The cost of living in Blue Island affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Blue Island is 93, which is 7% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Blue Island are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Blue Island can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Blue Island Affordable?

Is Blue Island 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 Blue Island is 32% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Blue Island has a median household income of $77,232, which is 5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Blue Island?

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 Blue Island, healthcare costs are 0.9% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Blue Island, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Blue Island, the transportation index is 4.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Blue Island 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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Blue Island is 5% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Blue Island is 7% lower than the national average
  • Blue Island housing is 24% lower 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 Blue Island

See all the best places to live around Blue Island

Compare Blue Island, IL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$98,033$8,169$2,287$2,941
      Renters$53,714$4,476$1,253$1,612
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Blue Island, IL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Blue Island homeowners, is $98,033. This would allow for a maximum of $2,287 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $53,714 which would result in a maximum of $1,253 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Hodgkins, IL1,8178316.9%
      Ford Heights, IL2,8018316.6%
      East Chicago, IN28,8358217.8%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Blue Island, IL23,702936.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Willoughby, OH23,699954.9%
      Landover, MD23,70511515.3%
      Kingston, NY23,7081088.1%
      Laguna Beach, CA23,724326226.2%
      Millbrae, CA23,726287186.6%
      Blue Island, IL23,702936.9%
      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.