Illinois is the fifth most populous and is the 25th largest land area in the country.
As a state in the Midwestern region, this state is like a microcosm of all states in America.
Here are more interesting facts about Illinois before we see the cost of living in this state.
Illinois is home to the Windy City and one of most famous presidents, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan.
The first McDonald’s was built in Des Plaines, IL.
Also, did you know that this state is the largest producer of pumpkins in the country?
Moreover, Illinois has several nicknames, such as Land of Lincoln and the Prairie State.
But let’s see the actual cost of living in this state and discover which cities are the most expensive for living in Illinois.
In the post below, we will have a detailed look at a single cost in this state.
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Cost of Living in Illinois
Living in Illinois is about as expensive as it is on average across the U.S. as a whole.
In this Prairie State, goods and services cost just 1.5% less than on average nationwide.
So, compared with all other states, Illinois has the 15th highest overall cost of living.
Housing is one of the critical components of our financial budget and has an enormous role in the actual cost of living here.
Furthermore, the typical renter here spends $1000 a month on housing, or quite the same as the $1,023 national median monthly rent.
But, we have to note that there are also prices for monthly rent which are not so overpriced.
For example, monthly rent for a one-bedroom in several cities in this state is less than $850.
Utilities and Internet
Definitely, one part where you will save money living in Illinois is with utilities.
While everything is expensive in this state, the cost of electricity and internet is 10% lower on average across the whole U.S.
For instance, you can expect an energy bill of around $150 per month and a phone bill of less than $130 per month.
Transportation Cost
Did you know that approximately sixteen percent of the society commuted more than two hours of tour trips per day?
So, the question is – how much money do they need only for transportation?
Well, transportation costs in Illinois are 23% higher than the national average, with gas prices around $3 per gallon.
Tickets for train and bus are also pretty higher than the national average.
The passes for the base fare is more than $2.50.
Other transportation costs, like car insurance premiums, can vary by state.
In Illinois, the average car insurance premium is $1,757, more than the national average.
Food and Restaurant Cost
Did you know that most of the famous food comes from Illinois?
For example, Italian Beef, Twinkies, Cracker Jack, Brownies, and Frozen Desserts.
In this state, you can find plenty of stylish and fine restaurants where you can have a bite of all those tasty meals.
But the prices are highly cost.
On the other side, in supermarkets and bazaars, you can find everything fresh for a reasonable price.
The two most popular supermarket chains in Illinois are ALDI and Jewel-Osco.
You can likewise find Walmart spots across the state.
However, some groceries are more expensive in some cities, depending on location and other factors.
Healthcare Cost
Healthcare costs in Illinois are on a level with the national average.
The average doctor visit, vet appointment, medical prescription refill, or dental exam will cost about the same as the rest of the states in the US.
Or to clarify, you can expect to pay about $115 to see a doctor and $100 to visit the dentist.
Similarly, other insurance premiums for health care are relatively high in Illinois.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Chicago
When most people think about Illinois, they are picturing Chicago.
Chicago, or as someones say – the Jewel of the Midwest, is the capital city of Illinois.
However, living in this city is not much affordable for all.
The cost of living here is 23% higher than the national average.
That makes Chicago one of the most expensive cities comparable to New York, Miami, and Seattle.
Accordingly, the average price for two-bedroom apartment rent is remarkable $2,210.
The average home price in this city is $513,821.
As for food prices, here is a detailed look at some of the essential products.
A loaf of bread is $3.33, a dozen eggs are around $2, and one-liter milk is more than $2.50.
Healthcare prices are also enormously high.
For a one doctor’s and dentist’s visit, you should expect to pay around $110.
Aurora
This city is in Kane County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois.
Living in Aurora offers residents a dense local feel, and most citizens own their homes.
In Aurora, there is plenty of coffee stores and parks.
The average cost of living is 4% higher than the national average.
The housing costs are much less than in Chicago but still high compared to other cities in this state.
As for rent prices, the average cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1.500 per month, while the average home price in this city is $400,000.
The energy bill per month is around $150, analogous to that one liter of gas is approximately $3.
On the other side, Aurora has grocery prices that are 3% higher than the national average.
E.g., a loaf of bread in supermarkets is $3.50, a gallon of milk is $2, and a carton of eggs is $2.
As for healthcare costs, in Aurora, the prices are almost the same as in Chicago.
Joliet
Joliet is a mid-sized city in the state of Illinois, located in the county of Will.
Joliet has recently seen moving new residents after a few years of consistent growth.
But, what about the actual cost of living in this city?
Joliet’s housing expenses are 5% higher than the national average, and the utility prices are 16% lower than the national average.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 11% higher than the national average.
The average home price is around $390.391, and the average rent cost per month is $1,145.
On the other hand, the energy bill per month is less than $150, provided that one liter of gas is much less than $3 – $2.56.
This city also has food prices that are 2% higher than the national average.
The prices in supermarkets are pretty the same as the prices in Aurora.
Even more, healthcare costs here are much expensive than in previously mentioned cities.
In fact, Healthcare in Joliet is 10% higher than the national average.
Speaking of that, for a one doctor’s visit in this city, you should expect to pay more than $130, while for a dentist’s visit incredibly $110.
Naperville
The average cost of living in Naperville is $1990, which is in the top 16% of the most expensive cities in the world.
One-bedroom apartment Downtown (40m2) is around $1400, but also you can find a much cheaper option – for $1100.
Also, the restaurant prices in this city are enormously high.
A lunch menu for one person is more than $18, while dinner for two in a restaurant is around $80.
As for transportation costs, a one-way pass is $2.13, while a monthly ticket is around $60.
Rockford
Rockford is a city focused on the quality of life for its residents and its visitors.
The advantages include a big-city lifestyle but with a small-town feel.
The average cost of living in Rockford is $1821, which is in the top 24% of the most expensive cities in the world.
The prices for restaurants, food, transport are identically high as the previously mentioned cities.
Illinois Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Illinois Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in Colorado Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in New Hampshire Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Ohio Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Massachusetts Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Missouri Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
