Cost of Living in Oak Forest, IL
Population 26,888 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Oak Forest cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $248,000, rents near $1,287 a month.
Located 15 miles south of Chicago, Oak Forest falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oak Forest
The median home value in Oak Forest is $247,800 — 19% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,287/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,941/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, 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, Oak Forest has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% 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 Oak Forest, IL?
Oak Forest has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oak Forest, IL?
The median gross rent in Oak Forest is $1,287 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oak Forest?
The median home value in Oak Forest is $247,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oak Forest?
The median household income in Oak Forest is $87,941 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oak Forest, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oak Forest is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Oak Forest, IL affordable?
Yes, Oak Forest is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
Oak Forest at a Glance
- Population
- 26,888
- Median Income
- $87,941
- Home Value
- $247,800
- Median Rent
- $1,287/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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