Cost of Living in Lake Bluff, IL
Population 5,834 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Lake Bluff sits 142% above the national median — $739,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $205,735 (176% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Lake Bluff is about 30 miles northeast of Elgin, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 193% higher than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Bluff
The median home value in Lake Bluff is $739,400 — 142% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,826/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $205,735/year is 176% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Lake Bluff has a cost of living index of 201 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 101% more expensive.
Lake Bluff has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Lake Bluff, IL?
Lake Bluff has a cost index of 201 (100 = national average). It is 101% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Bluff, IL?
The median gross rent in Lake Bluff is $1,826 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Bluff?
The median home value in Lake Bluff is $739,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lake Bluff?
The median household income in Lake Bluff is $205,735 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Bluff, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Bluff is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Lake Bluff, IL affordable?
Lake Bluff is above average in cost of living, with an index of 201 — about 101% higher than the national average.
Lake Bluff at a Glance
- Population
- 5,834
- Median Income
- $205,735
- Home Value
- $739,400
- Median Rent
- $1,826/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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