A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
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 Crest Hill Illinois National
Cost of living10198100
Groceries99100100
Health care97100100
Housing10395100
Transportation100101100
Utilities10199100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare106100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Crest Hill, IL

Understanding the cost of living in Crest Hill 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 Crest Hill cost of living index is 101, which is 1% 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.

The cost of living in Crest Hill closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Crest Hill can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Crest Hill Affordable?

Is Crest Hill 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 Crest Hill, for instance, where the median home price falls 4% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 19.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Crest Hill flaunting a median household income of $88,472, 8.8% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Crest Hill?

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 Crest Hill, is 3.2% 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 Crest Hill, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

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.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Crest Hill 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 Crest Hill is 2% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Crest Hill is 1% higher than the national average
  • Crest Hill housing is 3% 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 Crest Hill

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Compare Crest Hill, 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$94,161$7,847$2,197$2,825
      Renters$74,402$6,200$1,736$2,232
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Crest Hill, 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 Crest Hill have a median income of $94,161. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,197 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $74,402, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,736.

      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%
      Preston Heights, IL2,583927.8%
      Ingalls Park, IL3,100927.6%
      Fairmont, IL2,777946.0%
      Rockdale, IL2,487954.9%
      Crest Hill, IL20,9831010.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Adrian, MI20,9838317.3%
      Prunedale, CA20,97816666.4%
      Marblehead, MA20,99217777.3%
      Rosamond, CA20,99411716.6%
      La Crescenta-Montrose, CA20,96319998.7%
      Crest Hill, IL20,9831010.7%
      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.