| Index | Crest Hill | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 101 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 103 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 106 | 100 | 100 |

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? 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.
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.
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 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 | $94,161 | $7,847 | $2,197 | $2,825 |
| Renters | $74,402 | $6,200 | $1,736 | $2,232 |
| 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% |
| Preston Heights, IL | 2,583 | 92 | 7.8% |
| Ingalls Park, IL | 3,100 | 92 | 7.6% |
| Fairmont, IL | 2,777 | 94 | 6.0% |
| Rockdale, IL | 2,487 | 95 | 4.9% |
| Crest Hill, IL | 20,983 | 101 | 0.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Adrian, MI | 20,983 | 83 | 17.3% |
| Prunedale, CA | 20,978 | 166 | 66.4% |
| Marblehead, MA | 20,992 | 177 | 77.3% |
| Rosamond, CA | 20,994 | 117 | 16.6% |
| La Crescenta-Montrose, CA | 20,963 | 199 | 98.7% |
| Crest Hill, IL | 20,983 | 101 | 0.7% |