B+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
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 Round Lake Illinois National
Cost of living10698100
Groceries98100100
Health care98100100
Housing12195100
Transportation102101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare103100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Round Lake, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Round Lake? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Round Lake stands at 106, making it 6% 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 Round Lake closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Round Lake can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

When it comes to the cost of living in Round Lake, 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 21% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Round Lake Affordable?

Is Round Lake 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 Round Lake, for instance, where the median home price falls 20% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 23.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Round Lake flaunting a median household income of $121,525, 49.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Round Lake?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Round Lake, the transportation index is 1.5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Round Lake, the groceries index is 1.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Round Lake cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Round Lake is 8% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Round Lake is 6% higher than the national average
  • Round Lake housing is 21% 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 Round Lake

See all the best places to live around Round Lake

Compare Round Lake, 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$143,366$11,947$3,345$4,301
      Renters$60,613$5,051$1,414$1,819
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Round Lake, IL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Round Lake have a median income of $143,366. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,345 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $60,613, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,414.

      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.
      Park City, IL7,8948218.2%
      North Chicago, IL30,865955.0%
      Round Lake Park, IL8,005955.3%
      Waukegan, IL90,063964.1%
      Zion, IL24,329963.7%
      Round Lake, IL18,8331066.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cudahy, WI18,834945.6%
      Marshfield, WI18,840918.6%
      Cameron Park, CA18,82214746.7%
      San Carlos Park, FL18,85411111.0%
      White Oak, OH18,862937.1%
      Round Lake, IL18,8331066.3%
      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.