B+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
22%
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 Hickory Hills Illinois National
Cost of living10798100
Groceries101100100
Health care101100100
Housing12295100
Transportation105101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare95100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hickory Hills, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Hickory Hills? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Hickory Hills stands at 107, making it 7% higher 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Hickory Hills are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Hickory Hills can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs significantly influence the Hickory Hills cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 22.3%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Hickory Hills Affordable?

Is Hickory Hills 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 Hickory Hills, the median home price is 30.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 2.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Hickory Hills boasting a median household income of $96,934, 19.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hickory Hills?

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 Hickory Hills, the housing index is 22.3% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Hickory Hills, the groceries index is 1.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Hickory Hills 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 Hickory Hills is 9% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Hickory Hills is 7% higher than the national average
  • Hickory Hills housing is 22% 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 Hickory Hills

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Compare Hickory Hills, 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$122,338$10,195$2,854$3,671
      Renters$64,908$5,409$1,514$1,947
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Hickory Hills, 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 Hickory Hills, the median monthly income is $122,338 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,854 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $64,908, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,514 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.
      Hodgkins, IL1,8178316.9%
      Ford Heights, IL2,8018316.6%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%
      Hickory Hills, IL14,6351077.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lindenhurst, IL14,6371099.3%
      Fruitville, FL14,63012020.0%
      Chippewa Falls, WI14,630964.5%
      Anna, TX14,62511111.1%
      Johnstown, CO14,65513130.7%
      Hickory Hills, IL14,6351077.1%
      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.