A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
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 Machesney Park Illinois National
Cost of living9298100
Groceries98100100
Health care98100100
Housing7995100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9699100
Lifestyle & Entertainment94100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare97100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Machesney Park, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Machesney Park? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Machesney Park stands at 92, making it 8% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Machesney Park are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Machesney Park can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Machesney Park Affordable?

Is Machesney Park an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Machesney Park, the median home price is 31.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 3.5% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Machesney Park come in at $97,031, which is 19.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Machesney Park?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Machesney Park, the healthcare costs are 2.5% lower than the national average.

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 Machesney Park, the groceries index is 2.5% lower than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Machesney Park, the housing index stands at 20.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Machesney Park 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 Machesney Park is 7% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Machesney Park is 8% lower than the national average
  • Machesney Park housing is 21% 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 Machesney Park

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Compare Machesney Park, 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$111,648$9,304$2,605$3,350
      Renters$79,142$6,595$1,847$2,374
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Machesney Park, 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 Machesney Park homeowners, is $111,648. This would allow for a maximum of $2,605 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $79,142 which would result in a maximum of $1,847 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.
      Rockford, IL151,1698713.5%
      Beloit, WI37,9388712.7%
      Capron, IL1,6898910.8%
      Belvidere, IL25,8318910.7%
      South Beloit, IL7,9249010.0%
      Machesney Park, IL23,320928.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Duncan, OK23,3118713.4%
      Roselle, IL23,29811414.5%
      Allison Park, PA23,34411010.3%
      Lennox, CA23,29015050.3%
      Griffin, GA23,351918.5%
      Machesney Park, IL23,320928.1%
      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.