B+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Oak Lawn Illinois National
Cost of living10698100
Groceries101100100
Health care101100100
Housing11895100
Transportation105101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare95100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oak Lawn, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn is 106, which is 6% higher 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 Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn Affordable?

Is Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn is 17.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 17.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Oak Lawn has a median household income of $104,856, which is 28.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oak Lawn?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Oak Lawn, the groceries index registers 1.2% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Oak Lawn, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Oak Lawn, healthcare costs are 0.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn is 8% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Oak Lawn is 6% higher than the national average
  • Oak Lawn housing is 18% 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 Oak Lawn

See all the best places to live around Oak Lawn

Compare Oak Lawn, IL Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$116,000$9,667$2,706$3,480
      Renters$69,689$5,807$1,626$2,091
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Oak Lawn is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Oak Lawn has a median income of about $116,000 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,706 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $69,689. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,626 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Hodgkins, IL1,8178316.9%
      Ford Heights, IL2,8018316.6%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%
      Oak Lawn, IL57,1801065.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Manhattan, KS57,1331000.3%
      Southaven, MS57,133955.0%
      Kettering, OH57,103918.8%
      Lakewood, NJ57,09815151.0%
      Apex, NC57,03712222.3%
      Oak Lawn, IL57,1801065.8%
      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.