A-
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
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 Wheeling Illinois National
Cost of living10498100
Groceries97100100
Health care97100100
Housing11695100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare102100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Wheeling, IL

Knowing the cost of living in Wheeling 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 Wheeling stands at 104, marking it 4% higher than the national average.

In Wheeling, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Wheeling will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Wheeling Affordable?

Is Wheeling 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 Wheeling, the median home price is 10% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 30.9% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Wheeling come in at $107,370, which is 32% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wheeling?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Wheeling, the housing index is 16.3% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Wheeling, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.95%.

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 Wheeling cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wheeling is 6% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Wheeling is 4% higher than the national average
  • Wheeling housing is 16% 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 Wheeling

See all the best places to live around Wheeling

Compare Wheeling, 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$120,544$10,045$2,813$3,617
      Renters$96,714$8,060$2,257$2,902
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Wheeling is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Wheeling has a median income of about $120,544 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,813 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $96,714. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,257 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      North Chicago, IL30,865955.0%
      Northlake, IL12,6961021.7%
      Hainesville, IL3,7051033.0%
      River Grove, IL10,2461022.4%
      Franklin Park, IL18,3231043.7%
      Wheeling, IL39,8511044.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Evans, GA39,85411414.3%
      Martinez, CA39,84117171.4%
      Land O' Lakes, FL39,84111616.1%
      Sun City, AZ39,8731021.9%
      Issaquah, WA39,87617272.4%
      Wheeling, IL39,8511044.0%
      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.