A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Summit Illinois National
Cost of living10098100
Groceries101100100
Health care98100100
Housing9995100
Transportation103101100
Utilities10099100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare100100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Summit, IL

Knowing the cost of living in Summit 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 Summit stands at 100, marking it 0% equal to the national average.

The cost of living in Summit is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Summit Affordable?

Is Summit an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Summit, the median home price is 0.4% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Summit come in at $70,603, which is 13.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Summit?

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 Summit, the housing index stands at 1.5% lower than the national average.

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 Summit, the transportation index is 3.3% higher than the national average.

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 Summit, the healthcare costs are 2.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Summit 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 Summit is 2% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Summit is equal to the national average
  • Summit housing is 1% 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 Summit

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Compare Summit, IL Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$101,510$8,459$2,368$3,046
      Renters$54,945$4,579$1,282$1,649
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Summit, 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 Summit have a median income of $101,510. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,368 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $54,945, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,282.

      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%
      Phoenix, IL1,4508514.6%
      Dixmoor, IL3,6638712.6%
      Harvey, IL24,9318713.2%
      Hometown, IL4,3508911.2%
      Summit, IL11,4721000.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Grand Rapids, MN11,472954.9%
      Lincolnton, NC11,470955.3%
      Forest, VA11,4701109.9%
      La Homa, TX11,4758217.6%
      Lanham, MD11,46812828.2%
      Summit, IL11,4721000.1%
      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.