Cost of Living in Elmhurst, IL
Population 45,538 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elmhurst lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $533,000 — 75% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Illinois.
Elmhurst sits roughly 14 miles west of Chicago — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 69% higher than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elmhurst
The median home value in Elmhurst is $532,800 — 75% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,877/month, 43% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $145,374/year is 95% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Elmhurst has a cost of living index of 162 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% 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 Elmhurst, IL?
Elmhurst has a cost index of 162 (100 = national average). It is 62% above the national average.
What is average rent in Elmhurst, IL?
The median gross rent in Elmhurst is $1,877 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elmhurst?
The median home value in Elmhurst is $532,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elmhurst?
The median household income in Elmhurst is $145,374 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elmhurst, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elmhurst is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Elmhurst, IL affordable?
Elmhurst is above average in cost of living, with an index of 162 — about 62% higher than the national average.
Elmhurst at a Glance
- Population
- 45,538
- Median Income
- $145,374
- Home Value
- $532,800
- Median Rent
- $1,877/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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