B+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
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 Glendale Heights Illinois National
Cost of living10798100
Groceries100100100
Health care101100100
Housing12195100
Transportation101101100
Utilities10199100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Glendale Heights, IL

Understanding the cost of living in Glendale Heights can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Glendale Heights cost of living index is 107, which is 7% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

In Glendale Heights, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Glendale Heights will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Glendale Heights cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 21% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Glendale Heights Affordable?

Is Glendale Heights 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 Glendale Heights is 12.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 40.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Glendale Heights has a median household income of $103,942, which is 27.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Glendale Heights?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Glendale Heights, healthcare costs are 0.6% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Glendale Heights, the transportation index is 1.3% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Glendale Heights, the housing index is 21% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Glendale Heights 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 Glendale Heights is 8% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Glendale Heights is 7% higher than the national average
  • Glendale Heights housing is 21% 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 Glendale Heights

See all the best places to live around Glendale Heights

Compare Glendale Heights, 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$120,031$10,003$2,801$3,601
      Renters$82,188$6,849$1,918$2,466
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Glendale Heights, 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 Glendale Heights, homeowners have a median income of $120,031. Using that number, a maximum of $2,801 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $82,188, which means there is a maximum of $1,918 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%
      Maywood, IL23,986963.6%
      Broadview, IL7,841990.9%
      Bellwood, IL19,287991.0%
      Summit, IL11,4721000.1%
      Glendale Heights, IL34,9611076.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cottonwood Heights, UT34,93913030.1%
      Cookeville, TN34,916946.0%
      San Luis, AZ34,910928.1%
      Ken Caryl, CO35,03813736.8%
      Dana Point, CA34,877207106.9%
      Glendale Heights, IL34,9611076.6%
      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.