Cost of Living in Wheaton, IL

Population 53,453 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

141
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wheaton lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $448,000 — 47% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Illinois.

Located 8 miles northeast of Naperville, Wheaton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Naperville's $510,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 147
Rent 132

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

About the Cost of Living in Wheaton

The median home value in Wheaton is $447,700 — 47% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,731/month, 32% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,566/year is 60% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Wheaton has a cost of living index of 141 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$447,700
47% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$487,986
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,731/mo
32% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,378/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.6x
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 72.6%
Renter-occupied 27.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,731
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,345/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
28.2 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
24.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.5%
Carpooled
4.7%
Public transit
4.6%
Walked
3.3%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
24.0%

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
$119,566
60% above avg
Per Capita Income
$62,785
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
28% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Labor Force Participation
64.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.4%
Graduate degree 26.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.6
Male median age 36.6
Female median age 38.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate
40%
Good air days/yr
234
Max AQI recorded
264
PM2.5 days
101
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wheaton, IL?

Wheaton has a cost index of 141 (100 = national average). It is 41% above the national average.

What is average rent in Wheaton, IL?

The median gross rent in Wheaton is $1,731 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wheaton?

The median home value in Wheaton is $447,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wheaton?

The median household income in Wheaton is $119,566 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wheaton, IL?

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

Is Wheaton, IL affordable?

Wheaton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 141 — about 41% higher than the national average.

Wheaton at a Glance

Population
53,453
Median Income
$119,566
Home Value
$447,700
Median Rent
$1,731/mo
Unemployment
3.5%
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in Illinois →
🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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