Cost of Living in Marengo, IL
Population 7,123 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Marengo stay well under national norms: a median home value of $206,000 against median household incomes of $72,586 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Marengo sits roughly 20 miles northwest of Elgin. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Marengo
The median home value in Marengo is $206,100 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,077/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,586/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, 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, Marengo has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
Marengo 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 Marengo, IL?
Marengo has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Marengo, IL?
The median gross rent in Marengo is $1,077 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Marengo?
The median home value in Marengo is $206,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Marengo?
The median household income in Marengo is $72,586 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Marengo, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marengo is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Marengo, IL affordable?
Yes, Marengo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
Marengo at a Glance
- Population
- 7,123
- Median Income
- $72,586
- Home Value
- $206,100
- Median Rent
- $1,077/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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