F
29%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
94%
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 Frankfort Illinois National
Cost of living12998100
Groceries102100100
Health care100100100
Housing19495100
Transportation105101100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare94100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Frankfort, IL

The cost of living in Frankfort affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Frankfort is 129, which is 29% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Frankfort may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Frankfort falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Frankfort, 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 93.9% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Frankfort Affordable?

Is Frankfort an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Frankfort, the median home price is 111.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 52.4% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Frankfort come in at $208,825, which is 156.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Frankfort?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Frankfort, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.95%.

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 Frankfort, the housing index is 93.9% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Frankfort 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 Frankfort is 31% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Frankfort is 29% higher than the national average
  • Frankfort housing is 94% 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 Frankfort

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Compare Frankfort, 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$214,500$17,875$5,005$6,436
      Renters$82,155$6,846$1,917$2,465
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Frankfort is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Frankfort has a median income of about $214,500 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $5,005 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $82,155. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,917 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Ford Heights, IL2,8018316.6%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%
      Sauk Village, IL10,6698910.7%
      Frankfort, IL19,88612928.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Forest, IL19,88817878.3%
      Huntington, NY19,88817069.6%
      Orinda, CA19,891275175.2%
      Plattsburgh, NY19,892982.0%
      Colchester, Subd. B, NS19,895n/a 
      Frankfort, IL19,88612928.7%
      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.