Cost of Living in Wilmette, IL
Population 27,550 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Wilmette sits 163% above the national median — $802,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $192,300 (158% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 15 miles north of Chicago, Wilmette falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 155% higher than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wilmette
The median home value in Wilmette is $802,200 — 163% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,968/month, 50% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $192,300/year is 158% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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, Wilmette has a cost of living index of 218 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 118% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wilmette, IL?
Wilmette has a cost index of 218 (100 = national average). It is 118% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wilmette, IL?
The median gross rent in Wilmette is $1,968 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wilmette?
The median home value in Wilmette is $802,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wilmette?
The median household income in Wilmette is $192,300 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wilmette, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wilmette is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Wilmette, IL affordable?
Wilmette is above average in cost of living, with an index of 218 — about 118% higher than the national average.
Wilmette at a Glance
- Population
- 27,550
- Median Income
- $192,300
- Home Value
- $802,200
- Median Rent
- $1,968/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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