| Index | Wilmette | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 162 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 307 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 103 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 100 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Wilmette? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Wilmette stands at 162, making it 62% 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.
If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Wilmette may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Wilmette falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Wilmette 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 206.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Wondering if Wilmette is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Wilmette, for example, the median home price is 271.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 56% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Wilmette boasting a median household income of $238,348, which is 193.1% higher than the national average.
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 Wilmette, the groceries index is 1.7% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Wilmette, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 4.95%.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Wilmette, the utilities index registers at 1.6% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Wilmette 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.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $259,620 | $21,635 | $6,057 | $7,789 |
| Renters | $90,124 | $7,510 | $2,103 | $2,704 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Maywood, IL | 23,986 | 96 | 3.6% |
| Bellwood, IL | 19,287 | 99 | 1.0% |
| Berkeley, IL | 5,266 | 100 | 0.2% |
| Stone Park, IL | 4,997 | 100 | 0.4% |
| Northlake, IL | 12,696 | 102 | 1.7% |
| Wilmette, IL | 27,840 | 162 | 61.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Statesville, NC | 27,848 | 96 | 4.0% |
| Ilchester, MD | 27,850 | 138 | 38.2% |
| Eureka, CA | 27,853 | 124 | 24.3% |
| Elmira, NY | 27,860 | 91 | 8.9% |
| Mason City, IA | 27,815 | 87 | 13.2% |
| Wilmette, IL | 27,840 | 162 | 61.9% |
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