Cost of Living in Crete, IL

Population 8,382 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

80
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Crete can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $209,000 against $97,984 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Crete is about 30 miles south of Chicago, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Chicago's $315,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 69
Rent 98

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

About the Cost of Living in Crete

The median home value in Crete is $209,100 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,283/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,984/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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, Crete has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$209,100
31% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$290,447
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,283/mo
2% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.6x
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 89.8%
Renter-occupied 10.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,283
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,897/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
38.8 min
44% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.7%
Carpooled
4.9%
Public transit
1.4%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
10.4%

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
$97,984
31% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,908
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
47% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
61.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.5%
Graduate degree 14.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.4
Male median age 46.2
Female median age 50.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate
42.5%
Good air days/yr
246
Max AQI recorded
280
PM2.5 days
85
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Crete, IL?

Crete has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.

What is average rent in Crete, IL?

The median gross rent in Crete is $1,283 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Crete?

The median home value in Crete is $209,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Crete?

The median household income in Crete is $97,984 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Crete, IL?

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

Is Crete, IL affordable?

Yes, Crete is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.