Cost of Living in Carol Stream, IL
Population 39,427 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carol Stream lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $309,000 — 1% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Illinois.
Located 12 miles north of Naperville, Carol Stream falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Naperville's $510,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carol Stream
The median home value in Carol Stream is $308,700 — 1% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,465/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,395/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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, Carol Stream has a cost of living index of 105 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% 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 Carol Stream, IL?
Carol Stream has a cost index of 105 (100 = national average). It is 5% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carol Stream, IL?
The median gross rent in Carol Stream is $1,465 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carol Stream?
The median home value in Carol Stream is $308,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carol Stream?
The median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carol Stream, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carol Stream is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Carol Stream, IL affordable?
Carol Stream is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 105 (100 = US average).
Carol Stream at a Glance
- Population
- 39,427
- Median Income
- $105,395
- Home Value
- $308,700
- Median Rent
- $1,465/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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