Cost of Living in River Forest, IL
Population 11,489 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in River Forest run well above the national baseline, with a median of $677,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $148,711 place the city among the better-paid Illinois metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
River Forest sits roughly 8 miles northwest of Chicago — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 115% higher than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in River Forest
The median home value in River Forest is $676,900 — 122% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,411/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $148,711/year is 99% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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, River Forest has a cost of living index of 176 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 76% 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 River Forest, IL?
River Forest has a cost index of 176 (100 = national average). It is 76% above the national average.
What is average rent in River Forest, IL?
The median gross rent in River Forest is $1,411 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in River Forest?
The median home value in River Forest is $676,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in River Forest?
The median household income in River Forest is $148,711 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in River Forest, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in River Forest is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is River Forest, IL affordable?
River Forest is above average in cost of living, with an index of 176 — about 76% higher than the national average.
River Forest at a Glance
- Population
- 11,489
- Median Income
- $148,711
- Home Value
- $676,900
- Median Rent
- $1,411/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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