Cost of Living in Elmwood Park, IL
Population 23,982 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Elmwood Park is a long average commute — 37 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Elmwood Park sits roughly 9 miles northwest of Chicago. 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 Elmwood Park
The median home value in Elmwood Park is $325,000 — 7% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,295/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,121/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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, Elmwood Park has a cost of living index of 103 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% 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 Elmwood Park, IL?
Elmwood Park has a cost index of 103 (100 = national average). It is 3% above the national average.
What is average rent in Elmwood Park, IL?
The median gross rent in Elmwood Park is $1,295 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elmwood Park?
The median home value in Elmwood Park is $325,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elmwood Park?
The median household income in Elmwood Park is $84,121 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elmwood Park, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elmwood Park is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Elmwood Park, IL affordable?
Elmwood Park is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 103 (100 = US average).
Elmwood Park at a Glance
- Population
- 23,982
- Median Income
- $84,121
- Home Value
- $325,000
- Median Rent
- $1,295/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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