| Index | Oak Forest | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 104 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 111 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 105 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 94 | 100 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Oak Forest? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Oak Forest stands at 104, making it 4% higher 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.
The cost of living in Oak Forest aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Oak Forest residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Is Oak Forest affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Oak Forest, the median home price is 9.4% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 14.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Oak Forest boasting a median household income of $116,456, 43.2% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Oak Forest, the utilities index is 2.1% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.
Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Oak Forest, the transportation index is 4.8% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Oak Forest 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 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 | $134,465 | $11,205 | $3,137 | $4,034 |
| Renters | $73,065 | $6,089 | $1,705 | $2,192 |
| 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. |
| Hodgkins, IL | 1,817 | 83 | 16.9% |
| Ford Heights, IL | 2,801 | 83 | 16.6% |
| Phoenix, IL | 1,450 | 85 | 14.6% |
| Dixmoor, IL | 3,663 | 87 | 12.6% |
| Harvey, IL | 24,931 | 87 | 13.2% |
| Oak Forest, IL | 28,144 | 104 | 3.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Millville, NJ | 28,134 | 106 | 6.2% |
| Bergenfield, NJ | 28,186 | 133 | 33.4% |
| Gladstone, MO | 28,101 | 93 | 6.5% |
| Horn Lake, MS | 28,196 | 90 | 10.0% |
| Erie, CO | 28,201 | 153 | 53.2% |
| Oak Forest, IL | 28,144 | 104 | 3.9% |
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