Cost of Living in South Barrington, IL
Population 5,004 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in South Barrington run well above the national baseline, with a median of $986,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $211,083 place the city among the better-paid Illinois metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 9 miles east of Elgin, South Barrington falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 291% higher than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Barrington
The median home value in South Barrington is $986,300 — 223% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,917/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $211,083/year is 183% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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, South Barrington has a cost of living index of 252 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 152% more expensive.
South Barrington has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 South Barrington, IL?
South Barrington has a cost index of 252 (100 = national average). It is 152% above the national average.
What is average rent in South Barrington, IL?
The median gross rent in South Barrington is $1,917 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Barrington?
The median home value in South Barrington is $986,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Barrington?
The median household income in South Barrington is $211,083 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Barrington, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Barrington is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is South Barrington, IL affordable?
South Barrington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 252 — about 152% higher than the national average.
South Barrington at a Glance
- Population
- 5,004
- Median Income
- $211,083
- Home Value
- $986,300
- Median Rent
- $1,917/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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