Cost of Living in Carpentersville, IL

Population 37,544 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

88
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Carpentersville offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $225,000 — costs less than 2.6 times median household income of $86,327, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Carpentersville sits roughly 6 miles north of Elgin. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Elgin's $252,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 74
Rent 108

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

About the Cost of Living in Carpentersville

The median home value in Carpentersville is $225,200 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,420/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,327/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, above 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, Carpentersville has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$225,200
26% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$281,744
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,420/mo
8% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,100/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.2x
Favors buying
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 73.0%
Renter-occupied 27.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,420
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,034/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
32.5 min
20% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.9%
Carpooled
12.4%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
8.9%

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
$86,327
16% above avg
Per Capita Income
$31,552
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
31% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.7%
Labor Force Participation
74.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.7%
Graduate degree 7.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.8
Male median age 34.2
Female median age 33

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
61.8%
Good air days/yr
174
Max AQI recorded
90
PM2.5 days
198
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Carpentersville, IL?

Carpentersville has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.

What is average rent in Carpentersville, IL?

The median gross rent in Carpentersville is $1,420 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Carpentersville?

The median home value in Carpentersville is $225,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Carpentersville?

The median household income in Carpentersville is $86,327 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Carpentersville, IL?

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

Is Carpentersville, IL affordable?

Yes, Carpentersville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.

Carpentersville at a Glance

Population
37,544
Median Income
$86,327
Home Value
$225,200
Median Rent
$1,420/mo
Unemployment
6.3%
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