Cost of Living in Buffalo Grove, IL
Population 42,824 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buffalo Grove lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $393,000 — 29% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Illinois. An unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 20 miles east of Elgin, Buffalo Grove falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Buffalo Grove
The median home value in Buffalo Grove is $392,900 — 29% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,042/month, 55% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,820/year is 74% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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, Buffalo Grove has a cost of living index of 139 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% more expensive.
🏠 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 Buffalo Grove, IL?
Buffalo Grove has a cost index of 139 (100 = national average). It is 39% above the national average.
What is average rent in Buffalo Grove, IL?
The median gross rent in Buffalo Grove is $2,042 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buffalo Grove?
The median home value in Buffalo Grove is $392,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buffalo Grove?
The median household income in Buffalo Grove is $129,820 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buffalo Grove, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buffalo Grove is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Buffalo Grove, IL affordable?
Buffalo Grove is above average in cost of living, with an index of 139 — about 39% higher than the national average.
Buffalo Grove at a Glance
- Population
- 42,824
- Median Income
- $129,820
- Home Value
- $392,900
- Median Rent
- $2,042/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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