A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
20%
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 North Chicago Illinois National
Cost of living9598100
Groceries100100100
Health care100100100
Housing8095100
Transportation104101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare101100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in North Chicago, IL

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 Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in North Chicago?

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.

Where is the Data From?

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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in North Chicago is 3% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in North Chicago is 5% lower than the national average
  • North Chicago housing is 20% 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 North Chicago

See all the best places to live around North Chicago

Compare North Chicago, 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$93,515$7,793$2,182$2,806
      Renters$56,806$4,734$1,325$1,704
      The affordability of the housing market in North Chicago, 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 North Chicago homeowners, the median income is $93,515. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,182 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $56,806. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,325 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.
      Park City, IL7,8948218.2%
      Round Lake Park, IL8,005955.3%
      Waukegan, IL90,063964.1%
      Zion, IL24,329963.7%
      Camp Lake, WI4,340973.2%
      North Chicago, IL30,865955.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kahului, HI30,86717170.6%
      East Lake-Orient Park, FL30,8591000.2%
      Cornelius, NC30,84912222.2%
      Burlingame, CA30,894336236.4%
      Centre Wellington, ON30,896n/a 
      North Chicago, IL30,865955.0%
      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.