Cost of Living in Des Plaines, IL
Population 59,408 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Des Plaines's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $94,303 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Des Plaines sits roughly 20 miles northwest of Chicago — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Chicago's $315,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Des Plaines
The median home value in Des Plaines is $318,200 — 4% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,435/month, 9% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,303/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 43.0°F, with about 38.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Des Plaines has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 36 | 47 | 59 | 71 | 80 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 63 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 19 | 22 | 31 | 40 | 51 | 61 | 66 | 65 | 57 | 45 | 34 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.99 | 1.97 | 2.45 | 3.75 | 4.49 | 4.10 | 3.71 | 4.25 | 3.19 | 3.43 | 2.42 | 2.11 |
| Snow" | 11.3 | 10.7 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 7.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.
What is average rent in Des Plaines, IL?
The median gross rent in Des Plaines is $1,435 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Des Plaines?
The median home value in Des Plaines is $318,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Des Plaines?
The median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Des Plaines, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Des Plaines is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Des Plaines, IL affordable?
Des Plaines is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 43.0°F. Annual precipitation is 37.9". Average annual snowfall is 38.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Des Plaines at a Glance
- Population
- 59,408
- Median Income
- $94,303
- Home Value
- $318,200
- Median Rent
- $1,435/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Illinois Rankings
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