Cost of Living in Evanston, IL
Population 76,552 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Evanston lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $472,000 — 55% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Illinois. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Evanston sits roughly 14 miles north of Chicago — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 50% higher than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Evanston
The median home value in Evanston is $472,300 — 55% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,698/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,766/year is 28% 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, Evanston has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% 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 Evanston, IL?
Evanston has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.
What is average rent in Evanston, IL?
The median gross rent in Evanston is $1,698 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Evanston?
The median home value in Evanston is $472,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Evanston?
The median household income in Evanston is $95,766 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Evanston, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Evanston is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Evanston, IL affordable?
Evanston is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.
Evanston at a Glance
- Population
- 76,552
- Median Income
- $95,766
- Home Value
- $472,300
- Median Rent
- $1,698/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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