Illinois cost of living
Can you afford to live in the Prairie State?
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Relocating to Illinois is a big decision. From the skyscrapers of Chicago to quiet rural towns, each community offers its own mix of city excitement and small-town charm. Whether you’re drawn by a job opportunity, want to be closer to family or plan to explore life in the Midwest, understanding day-to-day expenses in Illinois is crucial.
To determine the cost of living in Illinois, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Illinois spend $58,333 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Illinois is $1,669, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Illinois spend $269.47 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.39 in Illinois.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Illinois pay $1,691 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Illinois
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Illinois was $58,333 in 2023. This number reflects what Illinois residents pay each year on housing, health care, groceries, energy costs and other personal expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Illinois:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $9,287 |
| Health care | $9,238 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $4,119 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,284 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $34,405 |
| Total cost | $58,333 |
Housing costs in Illinois
For most households, rent or mortgage payments are the biggest monthly expense. Based on 2025 data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Illinois is $1,669, which is slightly more than the national average of $1,639. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 survey, average monthly rents in Illinois are:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,086
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,254
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,424
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,650
Location and the size of your rental play a major role — costs in downtown Chicago will differ dramatically from those in smaller towns.
If you plan to buy, the median home price in Illinois is $320,400, which is less than the U.S. median home price of $446,638.
Illinois homeowners should also consider property taxes. Illinois has some of the highest effective property tax rates in the nation, ranking at No. 1 with an average rate of 1.83% of home value.
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Food costs in Illinois
Grocery and dining costs in Illinois depend on your household size, food preferences and shopping habits. The most recent U.S. Census data shows the average Illinois resident spends $269.47 on groceries each week, which is in line with the U.S. average of $270.21.
People who prefer to cook at home might notice some savings, especially if they buy local or shop in bulk, but eating out — especially in larger cities or tourist hotspots — will quickly increase monthly expenses. In smaller communities, you may find lower prices at local markets, while urban centers can have more specialty options but generally higher costs.
Transportation costs in Illinois
Drivers in Illinois pay an average of $3.39 per gallon of regular gas, which can be compared with the U.S. average of $3.13.
When it comes to auto insurance, the average premium for full coverage in Illinois is $1,079.71, compared with the national average of $1,258. These costs can fluctuate based on your location, driving record and coverage needs.
Health care costs in Illinois
The typical Illinois employee pays $1,691 each year for employer-sponsored health insurance, with the remaining $6,380 covered by employers, for a total annual premium of $8,070.
For comparison, the national average employee contribution is $1,640 out of a total annual premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Illinois
The average monthly electric bill in Illinois is $105.11, while the national average is $136.84.
For natural gas, Illinois residents pay $9.24 per thousand cubic feet, versus $12.92 for the U.S. overall.
FAQ
Does Illinois have a high cost of living?
Yes, Illinois has a slightly higher cost of living than the national average. Rent and gasoline in Illinois often cost a bit more than in many other states, and health care expenses are also slightly higher.
Additionally, Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S. However, home prices are generally less than the U.S. median, which can help balance things out for families.
Is Illinois a good place to live?
Yes, Illinois is a good place to live if you appreciate diverse communities and access to both vibrant cities and quiet rural areas. While the cost of living is a bit higher than average, Illinois attracts people who value its cultural offerings and job opportunities.
Fewer people have been moving in recently, but for many, the mix of urban and suburban options makes Illinois a strong choice.
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Is Illinois good for renters?
Yes, Illinois is generally good for renters. Rent prices are slightly high compared with most states, but the state has some strong tenant protections in place.
However, finding available rental units can be more challenging in some areas, and quality of life for renters varies by location. Those who want more protections may appreciate Illinois, but renters seeking lots of options or the lowest prices may need to search carefully.
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:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
