A-
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
11%
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 Palos Hills Illinois National
Cost of living10498100
Groceries101100100
Health care101100100
Housing11195100
Transportation105101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare95100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Palos Hills, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Palos Hills? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Palos Hills 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 Palos Hills 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 Palos Hills Affordable?

Is Palos Hills affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Palos Hills, for instance, where the median home price falls 10.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 12.7% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Palos Hills flaunting a median household income of $94,234, 15.9% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Palos Hills?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

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 Palos Hills, the utilities index is 2.5% lower 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 Palos Hills, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The Palos Hills cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Palos Hills is 6% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Palos Hills is 4% higher than the national average
  • Palos Hills housing is 11% 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 Palos Hills

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Compare Palos Hills, 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$102,790$8,566$2,398$3,084
      Renters$76,294$6,358$1,780$2,289
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Palos Hills, IL, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Palos Hills, the median monthly income is $102,790 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,398 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $76,294, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,780 on monthly rental expenses.

      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%
      Palos Hills, IL17,6641043.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tifton, GA17,6669010.4%
      Mount Pleasant, TX17,6668911.4%
      Neabsco, VA17,65913231.8%
      Tavares, FL17,657990.5%
      Winder, GA17,650981.8%
      Palos Hills, IL17,6641043.9%
      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.