| Index | North Chicago | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 95 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 80 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 103 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 100 | 100 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in North Chicago 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 North Chicago is 95, which is 5% lower 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.
The cost of living in North Chicago is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Is North Chicago 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 North Chicago is 41.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 32% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. North Chicago has a median household income of $71,017, which is 12.7% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In North Chicago, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.95%.
Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In North Chicago, the housing index is 19.6% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in North Chicago comes in at 0.8% lower than the national average.
The cost of living data for North Chicago shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $93,515 | $7,793 | $2,182 | $2,806 |
| Renters | $56,806 | $4,734 | $1,325 | $1,704 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Park City, IL | 7,894 | 82 | 18.2% |
| Round Lake Park, IL | 8,005 | 95 | 5.3% |
| Waukegan, IL | 90,063 | 96 | 4.1% |
| Zion, IL | 24,329 | 96 | 3.7% |
| Camp Lake, WI | 4,340 | 97 | 3.2% |
| North Chicago, IL | 30,865 | 95 | 5.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Kahului, HI | 30,867 | 171 | 70.6% |
| East Lake-Orient Park, FL | 30,859 | 100 | 0.2% |
| Cornelius, NC | 30,849 | 122 | 22.2% |
| Burlingame, CA | 30,894 | 336 | 236.4% |
| Centre Wellington, ON | 30,896 | n/a | |
| North Chicago, IL | 30,865 | 95 | 5.0% |