A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Kankakee Illinois National
Cost of living8898100
Groceries100100100
Health care100100100
Housing6095100
Transportation103101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare101100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kankakee, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Kankakee? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Kankakee stands at 88, making it 12% 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.

Is Kankakee Affordable?

Is Kankakee 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 Kankakee, the median home price is 51.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 12.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kankakee boasting a median household income of $57,821, 28.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kankakee?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Kankakee starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Kankakee, the groceries index is 0.4% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Kankakee, the utilities index registers 0.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Kankakee 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 Kankakee is 10% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Kankakee is 12% lower than the national average
  • Kankakee housing is 40% 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 Kankakee

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Compare Kankakee, 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$85,582$7,132$1,997$2,568
      Renters$37,395$3,116$872$1,122
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Kankakee, 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 Kankakee, the median monthly income is $85,582 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,997 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $37,395, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $872 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.
      Hopkins Park, IL6067921.2%
      Donovan, IL2788217.6%
      Beaverville, IL3838316.9%
      Papineau, IL1338415.9%
      Martinton, IL3588515.0%
      Kankakee, IL26,4618811.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hanahan, SC26,4501109.6%
      Starkville, MS26,447954.6%
      Lebanon, PA26,4848811.6%
      Sachse, TX26,43511413.7%
      Asheboro, NC26,4308910.7%
      Kankakee, IL26,4618811.7%
      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.