Cost of Living in Winnetka, IL
Population 12,508 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Winnetka's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.2 million for a typical home, 296% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $250,001 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 20 miles north of Chicago, Winnetka falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 283% higher than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Winnetka
The median home value in Winnetka is $1,206,300 — 296% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,750/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, 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, Winnetka has a cost of living index of 291 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 191% 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 Winnetka, IL?
Winnetka has a cost index of 291 (100 = national average). It is 191% above the national average.
What is average rent in Winnetka, IL?
The median gross rent in Winnetka is $1,750 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Winnetka?
The median home value in Winnetka is $1,206,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Winnetka?
The median household income in Winnetka is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Winnetka, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Winnetka is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Winnetka, IL affordable?
Winnetka is above average in cost of living, with an index of 291 — about 191% higher than the national average.
Winnetka at a Glance
- Population
- 12,508
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $1,206,300
- Median Rent
- $1,750/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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