Cost of Living in Highland, IL
Population 10,268 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Highland can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $186,000 against $77,886 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.1% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 30 miles east of St. Louis, Highland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with St. Louis' $185,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Highland
The median home value in Highland is $185,800 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $776/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,886/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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, Highland has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less 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 Highland, IL?
Highland has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Highland, IL?
The median gross rent in Highland is $776 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Highland?
The median home value in Highland is $185,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Highland?
The median household income in Highland is $77,886 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Highland, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Highland is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Highland, IL affordable?
Yes, Highland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
Highland at a Glance
- Population
- 10,268
- Median Income
- $77,886
- Home Value
- $185,800
- Median Rent
- $776/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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