B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
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 Lake in the Hills Illinois National
Cost of living11198100
Groceries99100100
Health care101100100
Housing13795100
Transportation102101100
Utilities10199100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare102100100
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 Lake in the Hills, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Lake in the Hills 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 Lake in the Hills is 111, which is 11% higher than 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.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Lake in the Hills cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 36.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Lake in the Hills Affordable?

Wondering if Lake in the Hills 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 Lake in the Hills, for example, the median home price is 27.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 57.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Lake in the Hills boasting a median household income of $143,912, which is 76.9% higher than the national average.

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

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 Lake in the Hills, healthcare costs are 1.3% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Lake in the Hills, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 4.95%.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Lake in the Hills, the groceries index registers 0.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lake in the Hills 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 Lake in the Hills is 13% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Lake in the Hills is 11% higher than the national average
  • Lake in the Hills housing is 37% 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 Lake in the Hills

See all the best places to live around Lake in the Hills

Compare Lake in the Hills, IL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Lake in the Hills?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Lake in the Hills?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Lake in the Hills 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$159,199$13,267$3,714$4,776
      Renters$94,758$7,897$2,211$2,843
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Lake in the 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 Lake in the Hills, the median monthly income is $159,199 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,714 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $94,758, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,211 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.
      Round Lake Park, IL8,005955.3%
      Marengo, IL8,096973.1%
      McCullom Lake, IL1,222972.5%
      Union, IL699991.2%
      Round Lake Beach, IL28,313981.7%
      Lake in the Hills, IL29,48511111.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Jacksonville, AR29,4958911.0%
      Mehlville, MO29,470945.7%
      East Haven, CT29,45611414.2%
      Burbank, IL29,4511054.7%
      Bella Vista, AR29,519954.8%
      Lake in the Hills, IL29,48511111.2%
      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.