A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Calumet City Illinois National
Cost of living9298100
Groceries101100100
Health care97100100
Housing7395100
Transportation98101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Calumet City, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Calumet City? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Calumet City stands at 92, making it 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Calumet City aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Calumet City residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Calumet City Affordable?

Is Calumet City affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Calumet City, the median home price is 40% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 2.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Calumet City boasting a median household income of $75,741, 6.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Calumet City?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Calumet City, the groceries index is 1.4% higher than the national average.

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.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Calumet City, the healthcare costs are 2.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Calumet City 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 Calumet City is 7% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Calumet City is 8% lower than the national average
  • Calumet City housing is 27% 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 Calumet City

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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$88,593$7,383$2,067$2,658
      Renters$48,360$4,030$1,128$1,451
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Calumet City, 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 Calumet City homeowners, is $88,593. This would allow for a maximum of $2,067 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $48,360 which would result in a maximum of $1,128 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.
      Ford Heights, IL2,8018316.6%
      East Chicago, IN28,8358217.8%
      Gary, IN77,1518119.3%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Calumet City, IL36,968928.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Foothill Farms, CA36,97712424.1%
      Marion, OH36,9208317.1%
      Mount Juliet, TN36,91511515.4%
      Franklin, WI37,08011010.0%
      Elmont, NY37,08114141.5%
      Calumet City, IL36,968928.5%
      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.