Cost of Living in Waukegan, IL
Population 88,919 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Waukegan can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $178,000 against $70,578 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Located 35 miles northeast of Elgin, Waukegan falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waukegan
The median home value in Waukegan is $177,600 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,163/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,578/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 57.2°F and lows of 39.3°F. Overall, Waukegan has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31 | 34 | 44 | 56 | 67 | 77 | 81 | 80 | 73 | 61 | 48 | 36 |
| Low °F | 16 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 46 | 56 | 62 | 61 | 54 | 43 | 31 | 22 |
| Precip" | 1.41 | 1.52 | 2.22 | 3.77 | 3.92 | 4.45 | 3.48 | 3.59 | 3.57 | 3.25 | 2.26 | 1.86 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waukegan, IL?
Waukegan has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waukegan, IL?
The median gross rent in Waukegan is $1,163 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waukegan?
The median home value in Waukegan is $177,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waukegan?
The median household income in Waukegan is $70,578 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waukegan, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waukegan is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Waukegan, IL affordable?
Yes, Waukegan is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Waukegan?
Waukegan has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 39.3°F. Annual precipitation is 35.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Waukegan at a Glance
- Population
- 88,919
- Median Income
- $70,578
- Home Value
- $177,600
- Median Rent
- $1,163/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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