C+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
41%
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 Elmwood Park Illinois National
Cost of living11198100
Groceries101100100
Health care99100100
Housing14195100
Transportation102101100
Utilities9699100
Lifestyle & Entertainment96100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare94100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Elmwood Park, IL

Knowing the cost of living in Elmwood Park 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 Elmwood Park stands at 111, marking it 11% higher than the national average.

When it comes to the cost of living in Elmwood Park, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 41.1% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Elmwood Park Affordable?

Wondering if Elmwood Park is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Elmwood Park, for example, the median home price is 48.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 24.9% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Elmwood Park boasting a median household income of $94,614, which is 16.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Elmwood Park?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Elmwood Park, the transportation index is 2.4% higher than the national average.

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 Elmwood Park, healthcare costs are 1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Elmwood Park, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The Elmwood Park cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Elmwood Park is 13% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Elmwood Park is 11% higher than the national average
  • Elmwood Park housing is 41% 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 Elmwood Park

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Compare Elmwood Park, 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$125,649$10,471$2,932$3,770
      Renters$58,495$4,875$1,365$1,755
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Elmwood Park, IL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Elmwood Park, homeowners have a median income of $125,649. Using that number, a maximum of $2,932 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $58,495, which means there is a maximum of $1,365 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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%
      Hometown, IL4,3508911.2%
      Maywood, IL23,986963.6%
      Broadview, IL7,841990.9%
      Bellwood, IL19,287991.0%
      Elmwood Park, IL24,95311111.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%
      San Benito, TX24,9208217.8%
      North Potomac, MD24,91617474.3%
      Papillion, NE24,9051043.6%
      Arnold, MD24,89914444.2%
      Elmwood Park, IL24,95311111.5%
      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.