F
42%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
138%
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 La Grange Illinois National
Cost of living14298100
Groceries101100100
Health care98100100
Housing23895100
Transportation103101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare100100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in La Grange, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in La Grange? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in La Grange stands at 142, making it 42% 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.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, La Grange may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, La Grange falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in La Grange, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 138.2% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is La Grange Affordable?

Is La Grange an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in La Grange is 181.5% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 37.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. La Grange has a median household income of $180,795, which is 122.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in La Grange?

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.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In La Grange, the transportation index is 3.3% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In La Grange, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for La Grange 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 La Grange is 44% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in La Grange is 42% higher than the national average
  • La Grange housing is 138% 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 La Grange

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Compare La Grange, 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$200,730$16,728$4,683$6,023
      Renters$76,232$6,353$1,779$2,287
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in La Grange, IL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for La Grange homeowners, is $200,730. This would allow for a maximum of $4,683 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $76,232 which would result in a maximum of $1,779 to be spent on rental 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%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%
      Hometown, IL4,3508911.2%
      La Grange, IL16,12114242.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wilmington Island, GA16,11911413.7%
      Isla Vista, CA16,12413231.8%
      Traverse City, MI16,11611010.0%
      Morton, IL16,1341021.6%
      Azalea Park, FL16,1061043.8%
      La Grange, IL16,12114242.0%
      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.