Cost of Living in Barrington, IL

Population 11,049 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

172
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Barrington's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $581,000 for a typical home, 90% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $150,714 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Geographically, Barrington sits roughly 13 miles northeast of Elgin. Median home values run roughly 130% higher than Elgin's $252,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 190
Rent 144

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Barrington

The median home value in Barrington is $580,900 — 90% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,886/month, 44% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $150,714/year is 102% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Barrington has a cost of living index of 172 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 72% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$580,900
90% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$301,782
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,886/mo
44% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,506/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.7x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 79.2%
Renter-occupied 20.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,886
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,500/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
35.2 min
30% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
56.1%
Carpooled
3.0%
Public transit
6.7%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
31.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$150,714
102% above avg
Per Capita Income
$80,316
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
30% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Labor Force Participation
59.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 46.8%
Graduate degree 25.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.1
Male median age 42.4
Female median age 43.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
74.9%
Good air days/yr
179
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
243
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Barrington, IL?

Barrington has a cost index of 172 (100 = national average). It is 72% above the national average.

What is average rent in Barrington, IL?

The median gross rent in Barrington is $1,886 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Barrington?

The median home value in Barrington is $580,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Barrington?

The median household income in Barrington is $150,714 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Barrington, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Barrington is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Barrington, IL affordable?

Barrington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 172 — about 72% higher than the national average.

Barrington at a Glance

Population
11,049
Median Income
$150,714
Home Value
$580,900
Median Rent
$1,886/mo
Unemployment
3.4%
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in Illinois →
🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs