A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
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 Riverdale Illinois National
Cost of living8998100
Groceries101100100
Health care97100100
Housing6595100
Transportation98101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Riverdale, IL

The cost of living in Riverdale affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Riverdale is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Riverdale Affordable?

Is Riverdale 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 Riverdale is 56.2% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 14.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Riverdale has a median household income of $58,110, which is 28.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Riverdale?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Riverdale, the housing index stands at 35.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Riverdale cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Riverdale is 9% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Riverdale is 11% lower than the national average
  • Riverdale housing is 35% lower 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 Riverdale

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Compare Riverdale, 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$72,252$6,021$1,686$2,168
      Renters$46,859$3,905$1,093$1,406
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Riverdale, 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 Riverdale, the median monthly income is $72,252 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,686 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $46,859, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,093 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%
      East Chicago, IN28,8358217.8%
      Gary, IN77,1518119.3%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Riverdale, IL12,8788910.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gulf Shores, AL12,87711312.7%
      Washington, IN12,8828514.6%
      Grand Terrace, CA12,88513636.4%
      West Monroe, LA12,8888910.5%
      Artesia, NM12,890972.5%
      Riverdale, IL12,8788910.8%
      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.