F
26%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
89%
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 Morton Grove Illinois National
Cost of living12698100
Groceries98100100
Health care99100100
Housing18995100
Transportation102101100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare102100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Morton Grove, IL

The cost of living in Morton Grove affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Morton Grove is 126, which is 26% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Morton Grove 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, Morton Grove falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Morton Grove 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 89.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Morton Grove?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 5 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Morton Grove and this is how they responded. 40% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 60% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Morton Grove Affordable?

Wondering if Morton Grove 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 Morton Grove, for example, the median home price is 78.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 113.3% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Morton Grove boasting a median household income of $129,357, which is 59% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Morton Grove?

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 Morton Grove, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 4.95%.

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.

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 Morton Grove, healthcare costs are 1.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Morton Grove 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 Morton Grove is 29% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Morton Grove is 26% higher than the national average
  • Morton Grove housing is 89% 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 Morton Grove

See all the best places to live around Morton Grove

Compare Morton Grove, 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$138,791$11,566$3,238$4,164
      Renters$65,706$5,476$1,533$1,971
      The affordability of the housing market in Morton Grove, 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 Morton Grove homeowners, the median income is $138,791. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,238 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $65,706. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,533 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.
      Maywood, IL23,986963.6%
      Broadview, IL7,841990.9%
      Bellwood, IL19,287991.0%
      Cicero, IL84,3201000.3%
      Berkeley, IL5,2661000.2%
      Morton Grove, IL23,47912626.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Junction City, KS23,460909.9%
      Acworth, GA23,4591043.9%
      New Brighton, MN23,45911211.5%
      Kingsville, ON23,502n/a 
      Winter Gardens, CA23,44714847.8%
      Morton Grove, IL23,47912626.4%
      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.