Illinois cost of living
Moving to a new state is a large undertaking. While a fresh start offers exciting opportunities and experiences, it's important to consider the practical side of things, too. Regardless of your reason for relocating to Illinois, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial so you can focus on settling into your new home.
The median rent in Illinois is $1,110.60, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Illinois spend $269.47 weekly on food at home and $107.87 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.76 in Illinois.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Illinois pay $1,746 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Illinois
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Illinois is $1,110.60, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Illinois broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Illinois had a median cost of $1,013 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,197 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,362 and $1,515, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Illinois is $282,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Chicago metro area was $349,300 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Illinois ranks No. 2 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 2.08%.
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Food costs in Illinois
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Illinois is $269.47, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Illinois residents spend an average of $107.87 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Illinois
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Illinois is $3.76, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Illinois is $1,001.56, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transit opportunities depend on where you live in Illinois. Chicago ranked No. 15 in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) prices one bus ride at $2.25, while a train ride costs $2.50 as of 2023. A one-day CTA pass costs $5.
Health care costs in Illinois
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Illinois employees $1,746 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,801 of the $7,547 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Illinois
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Illinois is $112.74, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Illinois costs $10.55 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Does Illinois have a high cost of living?
As of publishing, based on housing, food, auto insurance and utility costs, Illinois has a somewhat less expensive cost of living than the national average.
How much do I need to make to live in Chicago?
In our 2024 analysis of the income required to live in various cities, we found that a single adult needs an income of $83,465 to live comfortably in the nation’s third-largest city.
What else should I consider when moving to Illinois?
Illinois, especially the “Windy City” of Chicago, is known for cold, harsh winters, so don’t let those low temperatures surprise you.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
