Cost of Living in Ottawa, IL
Population 18,714 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Ottawa stay well under national norms: a median home value of $145,000 against median household incomes of $73,011 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Ottawa is about 35 miles west of Joliet, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Joliet's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ottawa
The median home value in Ottawa is $144,500 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $922/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,011/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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, Ottawa has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ottawa, IL?
Ottawa has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ottawa, IL?
The median gross rent in Ottawa is $922 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ottawa?
The median home value in Ottawa is $144,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ottawa?
The median household income in Ottawa is $73,011 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ottawa, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ottawa is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Ottawa, IL affordable?
Yes, Ottawa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
Ottawa at a Glance
- Population
- 18,714
- Median Income
- $73,011
- Home Value
- $144,500
- Median Rent
- $922/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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