Cost of Living in Western Springs, IL

Population 13,353 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

195
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Western Springs sits 127% above the national median — $691,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $218,839 (193% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Western Springs sits roughly 11 miles west of Chicago — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 119% higher than Chicago's $315,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 227
Rent 147

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Western Springs

The median home value in Western Springs is $691,300 — 127% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,932/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $218,839/year is 193% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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, Western Springs has a cost of living index of 195 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 95% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$691,300
127% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$839,909
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,932/mo
47% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.8x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 95.5%
Renter-occupied 4.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,932
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,546/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
33.2 min
23% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
27.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.1%
Carpooled
1.6%
Public transit
11.3%
Walked
1.5%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
27.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$218,839
193% above avg
Per Capita Income
$99,823
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
Labor Force Participation
64.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 47.3%
Graduate degree 34.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.8
Male median age 40
Female median age 43.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 57 — Moderate
28.5%
Good air days/yr
223
Max AQI recorded
252
PM2.5 days
97
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Western Springs, IL?

Western Springs has a cost index of 195 (100 = national average). It is 95% above the national average.

What is average rent in Western Springs, IL?

The median gross rent in Western Springs is $1,932 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Western Springs?

The median home value in Western Springs is $691,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Western Springs?

The median household income in Western Springs is $218,839 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Western Springs, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Western Springs is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Western Springs, IL affordable?

Western Springs is above average in cost of living, with an index of 195 — about 95% higher than the national average.

Western Springs at a Glance

Population
13,353
Median Income
$218,839
Home Value
$691,300
Median Rent
$1,932/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in Illinois →
🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs