Cost of Living in Markham, IL
Population 11,434 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Markham a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $120,000. At 10.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Markham sits roughly 15 miles south of Chicago — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 62% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Markham
The median home value in Markham is $119,500 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,689/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,364/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.4%, 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, Markham has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% 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 Markham, IL?
Markham has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.
What is average rent in Markham, IL?
The median gross rent in Markham is $1,689 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Markham?
The median home value in Markham is $119,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Markham?
The median household income in Markham is $52,364 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Markham, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Markham is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Markham, IL affordable?
Yes, Markham is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.
Markham at a Glance
- Population
- 11,434
- Median Income
- $52,364
- Home Value
- $119,500
- Median Rent
- $1,689/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs