| Index | Highland | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 94 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 83 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 99 | 100 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Highland 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 Highland cost of living index is 94, which is 6% lower 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.
The cost of living in Highland aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Highland residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Wondering if Highland is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Highland, for example, the median home price is 14.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 22.9% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Highland boasting a median household income of $96,416, which is 18.5% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Highland, the utilities index stands at 1.6% higher than the national average.
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 Highland, healthcare costs are 2.4% lower 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 Highland, the housing index is 17.2% lower than the national average.
The cost of living data for Highland 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $124,038 | $10,337 | $2,894 | $3,722 |
| Renters | $52,718 | $4,393 | $1,230 | $1,582 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Old Ripley, IL | 81 | 99 | 0.7% |
| Summerfield, IL | 331 | 85 | 14.6% |
| Pierron, IL | 404 | 85 | 14.6% |
| Pocahontas, IL | 819 | 86 | 14.4% |
| Beckemeyer, IL | 1,091 | 88 | 12.0% |
| Highland, IL | 10,335 | 94 | 5.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Berlin, NH | 10,336 | 88 | 11.7% |
| Watervliet, NY | 10,333 | 102 | 2.3% |
| Flat Rock, MI | 10,332 | 94 | 6.1% |
| Citrus, CA | 10,339 | 151 | 51.4% |
| Bastrop, LA | 10,329 | 83 | 17.0% |
| Highland, IL | 10,335 | 94 | 5.7% |
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