Cost of Living in Berkeley, IL
Population 5,222 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Berkeley can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $222,000 against $83,224 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Berkeley sits roughly 12 miles west of Chicago. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Berkeley
The median home value in Berkeley is $222,400 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,292/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,224/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, 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, Berkeley has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.
Berkeley has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Berkeley, IL?
Berkeley has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Berkeley, IL?
The median gross rent in Berkeley is $1,292 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Berkeley?
The median home value in Berkeley is $222,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Berkeley?
The median household income in Berkeley is $83,224 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Berkeley, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berkeley is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Berkeley, IL affordable?
Yes, Berkeley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
Berkeley at a Glance
- Population
- 5,222
- Median Income
- $83,224
- Home Value
- $222,400
- Median Rent
- $1,292/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs