A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
43%
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 Harvey Illinois National
Cost of living8798100
Groceries101100100
Health care97100100
Housing5795100
Transportation98101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Harvey, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Harvey? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Harvey stands at 87, making it 13% 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.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Harvey stands out by reporting housing costs that are 43.1% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Harvey Affordable?

Is Harvey 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 Harvey, the median home price is 60.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 2.1% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Harvey boasting a median household income of $49,405, 39.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Harvey?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Harvey, the utilities index registers at 0.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Harvey, healthcare costs are 2.6% lower 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 data for Harvey 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 Harvey is 12% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Harvey is 13% lower than the national average
  • Harvey housing is 43% lower 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 Harvey

See all the best places to live around Harvey

Compare Harvey, 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$73,718$6,143$1,720$2,212
      Renters$30,152$2,513$703$905
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Harvey 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. Harvey has a median income of about $73,718 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,720 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $30,152. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $703 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.
      Hodgkins, IL1,8178316.9%
      Ford Heights, IL2,8018316.6%
      East Chicago, IN28,8358217.8%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      San Benito, TX24,9208217.8%
      North Potomac, MD24,91617474.3%
      Elmwood Park, IL24,95311111.5%
      Papillion, NE24,9051043.6%
      Arnold, MD24,89914444.2%
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%
      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.