D
20%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
64%
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 Skokie Illinois National
Cost of living12098100
Groceries98100100
Health care101100100
Housing16495100
Transportation104101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare103100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Skokie, IL

The cost of living in Skokie 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 Skokie is 120, which is 20% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Skokie cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 63.9% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Skokie Affordable?

Is Skokie affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Skokie, the median home price is 78.4% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 30.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Skokie boasting a median household income of $113,252, 39.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Skokie?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Skokie, healthcare costs are 0.9% higher than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Skokie, the transportation index is 3.5% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Skokie 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 Skokie is 22% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Skokie is 20% higher than the national average
  • Skokie housing is 64% 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 Skokie

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Compare Skokie, 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$145,354$12,113$3,391$4,361
      Renters$66,198$5,517$1,545$1,986
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Skokie, IL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Skokie homeowners, is $145,354. This would allow for a maximum of $3,391 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $66,198 which would result in a maximum of $1,545 to be spent on rental costs.

      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%
      Skokie, IL65,00812019.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      West Hartford, CT64,99412727.3%
      Springfield, OR64,8721098.7%
      Encinitas, CA64,861215115.0%
      Coon Rapids, MN65,2051065.7%
      Dundalk, MD65,2411065.9%
      Skokie, IL65,00812019.6%
      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.