A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Homewood Illinois National
Cost of living10098100
Groceries100100100
Health care100100100
Housing10195100
Transportation103101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare101100100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Homewood, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Homewood is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Homewood is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Homewood 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. Homewood 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.

Is Homewood Affordable?

Wondering if Homewood 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 Homewood, for example, the median home price is 9.2% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 23.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Homewood boasting a median household income of $117,006, which is 43.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Homewood?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Homewood, the groceries index is 0.4% 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 Homewood, the housing index is 0.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Homewood 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 Homewood is 2% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Homewood is equal to the national average
  • Homewood housing is 1% 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 Homewood

See all the best places to live around Homewood

Compare Homewood, IL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Homewood?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Homewood?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Homewood poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$125,799$10,483$2,935$3,774
      Renters$75,333$6,278$1,758$2,260
      The affordability of the housing market in Homewood, IL as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Homewood homeowners, the median income is $125,799. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,935 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $75,333. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,758 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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%
      Homewood, IL19,2341000.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Shore, MD19,23913635.9%
      Durant, OK19,2218910.5%
      Terrell, TX19,247945.8%
      Jacksonville, IL19,2188812.5%
      Concord, MO19,2511033.4%
      Homewood, IL19,2341000.4%
      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.