C+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
41%
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 Wood Dale Illinois National
Cost of living11298100
Groceries99100100
Health care99100100
Housing14195100
Transportation98101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare101100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Wood Dale, IL

The cost of living in Wood Dale 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 Wood Dale is 112, which is 12% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

When it comes to the cost of living in Wood Dale, 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 40.9% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Wood Dale Affordable?

Is Wood Dale an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Wood Dale is 38.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 47.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Wood Dale has a median household income of $113,750, which is 39.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wood Dale?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Wood Dale, the utilities index stands at 0.8% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Wood Dale, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.95%.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Wood Dale, healthcare costs are 1.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Wood Dale 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wood Dale is 14% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Wood Dale is 12% higher than the national average
  • Wood Dale housing is 41% 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 Wood Dale

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Compare Wood Dale, 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$117,941$9,828$2,752$3,539
      Renters$83,012$6,918$1,937$2,491
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Wood Dale, 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 Wood Dale have a median income of $117,941. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,752 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $83,012, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,937.

      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%
      Maywood, IL23,986963.6%
      Broadview, IL7,841990.9%
      Bellwood, IL19,287991.0%
      Cicero, IL84,3201000.3%
      Wood Dale, IL14,14511211.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Moberly, MO14,1438614.2%
      Middlesex, NJ14,14912827.7%
      Glenpool, OK14,140936.6%
      Allouez, WI14,152964.1%
      River Ridge, LA14,1371044.4%
      Wood Dale, IL14,14511211.6%
      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.