Cost of Living in West Chicago, IL
Population 25,434 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The West Chicago cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $307,000, rents near $1,376 a month. At 10.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 10 miles northeast of Aurora, West Chicago falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 18% higher than Aurora's $260,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Chicago
The median home value in West Chicago is $306,500 — equal to the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,376/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,568/year is 35% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.2%, 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 59.2°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, West Chicago has a cost of living index of 102 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31 | 35 | 47 | 60 | 71 | 81 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 62 | 48 | 35 |
| Low °F | 16 | 19 | 28 | 38 | 49 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 54 | 42 | 31 | 21 |
| Precip" | 1.27 | 1.24 | 1.97 | 3.44 | 4.34 | 3.65 | 3.62 | 3.84 | 3.00 | 2.99 | 2.20 | 1.67 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in West Chicago, IL?
West Chicago has a cost index of 102 (100 = national average). It is 2% above the national average.
What is average rent in West Chicago, IL?
The median gross rent in West Chicago is $1,376 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Chicago?
The median home value in West Chicago is $306,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Chicago?
The median household income in West Chicago is $100,568 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Chicago, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Chicago is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is West Chicago, IL affordable?
West Chicago is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 102 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in West Chicago?
West Chicago has average high temperatures of 59.2°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
West Chicago at a Glance
- Population
- 25,434
- Median Income
- $100,568
- Home Value
- $306,500
- Median Rent
- $1,376/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs