C+
12%
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 Gages Lake Illinois National
Cost of living11298100
Groceries100100100
Health care101100100
Housing14195100
Transportation98101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare98100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Gages Lake, IL

The cost of living in Gages Lake 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 Gages Lake is 112, which is 12% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Gages Lake cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 40.9% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Gages Lake Affordable?

Is Gages Lake affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Gages Lake, the median home price is 34.4% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 56.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Gages Lake boasting a median household income of $141,682, 74.2% higher than the national average.

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

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 Gages Lake, healthcare costs are 0.6% higher than the national average.

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 Gages Lake, the utilities index is 1.5% lower than the national average.

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 Gages Lake, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Gages Lake shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gages Lake is 13% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Gages Lake is 12% higher than the national average
  • Gages Lake 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 Gages Lake

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Compare Gages Lake, 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$152,915$12,743$3,568$4,588
      Renters$87,433$7,286$2,040$2,623
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Gages Lake, IL, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Gages Lake, the median monthly income is $152,915 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,568 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $87,433, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,040 on monthly rental expenses.

      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%
      North Chicago, IL30,865955.0%
      Round Lake Park, IL8,005955.3%
      Waukegan, IL90,063964.1%
      Zion, IL24,329963.7%
      Gages Lake, IL10,17211211.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Charter Oak, CA10,17214646.4%
      Wimauma, FL10,17211010.1%
      Ramara, ON10,171n/a 
      Russellville, AL10,1748416.0%
      Denham Springs, LA10,174972.9%
      Gages Lake, IL10,17211211.5%
      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.