B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
39%
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 Rolling Meadows Illinois National
Cost of living11198100
Groceries100100100
Health care98100100
Housing13995100
Transportation99101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare98100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Rolling Meadows, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Rolling Meadows 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 Rolling Meadows is 111, which is 11% 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.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Rolling Meadows 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 39% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Rolling Meadows Affordable?

Is Rolling Meadows 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 Rolling Meadows, for instance, where the median home price falls 35.7% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 46.6% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Rolling Meadows flaunting a median household income of $117,619, 44.6% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rolling Meadows?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Rolling Meadows, the housing index comes in at 39% higher than the national average.

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.

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 Rolling Meadows, the groceries index registers 0.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Rolling Meadows 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 Rolling Meadows is 13% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Rolling Meadows is 11% higher than the national average
  • Rolling Meadows housing is 39% 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 Rolling Meadows

See all the best places to live around Rolling Meadows

Compare Rolling Meadows, 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$122,378$10,198$2,855$3,672
      Renters$96,034$8,003$2,241$2,881
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Rolling Meadows, IL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Rolling Meadows, homeowners have a median income of $122,378. Using that number, a maximum of $2,855 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $96,034, which means there is a maximum of $2,241 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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%
      Berkeley, IL5,2661000.2%
      Stone Park, IL4,9971000.4%
      Rolling Meadows, IL24,12911110.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fish Hawk, FL24,12213130.8%
      Stoneham, MA24,13815453.7%
      Columbus, NE24,141936.7%
      Loves Park, IL24,142909.8%
      Kerrville, TX24,1451043.8%
      Rolling Meadows, IL24,12911110.7%
      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.