Cost of Living in Sycamore, IL
Population 18,243 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sycamore is a smaller Illinois community of around 18000 residents, where median household incomes of $80,837 and housing costs ($254,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Sycamore sits roughly 20 miles west of Elgin — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Elgin's $252,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sycamore
The median home value in Sycamore is $254,200 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,062/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $80,837/year is 8% 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, Sycamore has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% 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 Sycamore, IL?
Sycamore has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sycamore, IL?
The median gross rent in Sycamore is $1,062 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sycamore?
The median home value in Sycamore is $254,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sycamore?
The median household income in Sycamore is $80,837 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sycamore, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sycamore is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Sycamore, IL affordable?
Yes, Sycamore is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
Sycamore at a Glance
- Population
- 18,243
- Median Income
- $80,837
- Home Value
- $254,200
- Median Rent
- $1,062/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs