Cost of Living in Plainfield, IL
Population 45,705 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Plainfield is a long average commute — 37 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.
Located 9 miles northwest of Joliet, Plainfield falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 60% higher than Joliet's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Plainfield
The median home value in Plainfield is $398,000 — 30% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,889/month, 44% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $142,265/year is 91% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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, Plainfield has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% more 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 Plainfield, IL?
Plainfield has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.
What is average rent in Plainfield, IL?
The median gross rent in Plainfield is $1,889 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Plainfield?
The median home value in Plainfield is $398,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Plainfield?
The median household income in Plainfield is $142,265 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Plainfield, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plainfield is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Plainfield, IL affordable?
Plainfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.
Plainfield at a Glance
- Population
- 45,705
- Median Income
- $142,265
- Home Value
- $398,000
- Median Rent
- $1,889/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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