| Index | Evanston | Wyoming | National |
| Cost of living | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Health care | 103 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 86 | 102 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 103 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 104 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 107 | 97 | 100 |

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Evanston? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Evanston stands at 97, making it 3% 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 Evanston 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. Evanston 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.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Evanston to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 40% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 60% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Evanston 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 Evanston is 5.9% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 31.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Evanston has a median household income of $92,307, which is 13.5% higher than the national average.
Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Evanston, the housing index is 13.6% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Evanston, the utilities index is 1.6% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Evanston 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 | $111,296 | $9,275 | $2,597 | $3,339 |
| Renters | $47,744 | $3,979 | $1,114 | $1,432 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Wyoming | 4% | 6% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Wyoming | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Bear River, WY | 988 | 118 | 17.8% |
| Evanston, WY | 12,021 | 97 | 3.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Rawdon, QC | 12,021 | n/a | |
| Adjala-Tosorontio, ON | 12,021 | n/a | |
| Freehold, NJ | 12,020 | 129 | 28.5% |
| Kings, Subd. B, NS | 12,020 | n/a | |
| Okmulgee, OK | 12,018 | 81 | 19.0% |
| Evanston, WY | 12,021 | 97 | 3.2% |