| Index | Oswego | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 112 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 143 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 103 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 100 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Oswego 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 Oswego is 112, which is 12% 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.
When it comes to the cost of living in Oswego, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 42.7% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Oswego 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 Oswego is 36.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 56.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Oswego has a median household income of $143,693, which is 76.7% 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 Oswego, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.
Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Oswego, the transportation index is 2.5% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Oswego 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 | $158,705 | $13,225 | $3,703 | $4,762 |
| Renters | $72,305 | $6,025 | $1,687 | $2,169 |
| 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. |
| Preston Heights, IL | 2,583 | 92 | 7.8% |
| Fairmont, IL | 2,777 | 94 | 6.0% |
| Rockdale, IL | 2,487 | 95 | 4.9% |
| Newark, IL | 1,376 | 98 | 2.3% |
| Lisbon, IL | 291 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Oswego, IL | 36,709 | 112 | 12.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| El Mirage, AZ | 36,729 | 104 | 3.8% |
| Cooper City, FL | 36,683 | 140 | 39.7% |
| Campbell River, BC | 36,740 | n/a | |
| Panama City, FL | 36,673 | 101 | 0.9% |
| Del Rio, TX | 36,754 | 88 | 12.1% |
| Oswego, IL | 36,709 | 112 | 12.1% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Illinois
Safest Cities In The US
See the best places to live in Oswego