F
36%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
118%
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 Park Ridge Illinois National
Cost of living13698100
Groceries99100100
Health care98100100
Housing21895100
Transportation101101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare103100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Park Ridge, IL

Knowing the cost of living in Park Ridge allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Park Ridge stands at 136, marking it 36% higher than the national average.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Park Ridge may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Park Ridge falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Park Ridge cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 118.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Park Ridge?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 5 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Park Ridge. The feedback revealed that 40% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 60% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Park Ridge Affordable?

Wondering if Park Ridge is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Park Ridge, for example, the median home price is 150.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 44% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Park Ridge boasting a median household income of $169,426, which is 108.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Park Ridge?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Park Ridge, the healthcare costs are 1.8% lower than the national average.

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.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Park Ridge, the groceries index is 0.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge is 38% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Park Ridge is 36% higher than the national average
  • Park Ridge housing is 118% 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 Park Ridge

See all the best places to live around Park Ridge

Compare Park Ridge, IL Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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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$194,502$16,209$4,538$5,836
      Renters$96,688$8,057$2,256$2,901
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge, the median monthly income is $194,502 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,538 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $96,688, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,256 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.
      Maywood, IL23,986963.6%
      Broadview, IL7,841990.9%
      Bellwood, IL19,287991.0%
      Cicero, IL84,3201000.3%
      Berkeley, IL5,2661000.2%
      Park Ridge, IL38,85413635.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Navarre, FL38,86411514.6%
      Reynoldsburg, OH38,884973.2%
      Longview, WA38,8841088.3%
      Atlantic City, NJ38,8101044.2%
      Spartanburg, SC38,808928.2%
      Park Ridge, IL38,85413635.8%
      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.