A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Fox Lake Illinois National
Cost of living10098100
Groceries98100100
Health care98100100
Housing10195100
Transportation102101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare103100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fox Lake, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Fox Lake? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Fox Lake stands at 100, making it 0% equal to 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 Fox Lake 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. Fox Lake 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Fox Lake?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 5 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Fox Lake. The results indicated that 60% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 40% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Fox Lake Affordable?

Wondering if Fox Lake 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 Fox Lake, for example, the median home price is 4.5% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 14.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fox Lake boasting a median household income of $94,693, which is 16.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fox Lake?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Fox Lake, the utilities index registers 0.8% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Fox Lake cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fox Lake is 2% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Fox Lake is equal to the national average
  • Fox Lake housing is 1% 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 Fox Lake

See all the best places to live around Fox Lake

Compare Fox Lake, IL Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$111,769$9,314$2,608$3,353
      Renters$63,247$5,271$1,476$1,898
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Fox Lake, 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 Fox Lake, homeowners have a median income of $111,769. Using that number, a maximum of $2,608 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $63,247, which means there is a maximum of $1,476 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.
      Park City, IL7,8948218.2%
      Lake Ivanhoe, WI408945.7%
      Round Lake Park, IL8,005955.3%
      McCullom Lake, IL1,222972.5%
      Wilmot, WI228973.3%
      Fox Lake, IL11,0881000.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cold Springs, NV11,08811918.7%
      Burtonsville, MD11,09114140.9%
      Raceland, LA11,0838812.4%
      Ironton, OH11,0948316.6%
      North Lindenhurst, NY11,09613130.8%
      Fox Lake, IL11,0881000.4%
      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.