B+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Dolton Illinois National
Cost of living9796100
Goods & Services10797100
Groceries10498100
Health care10895100
Housing8295100
Transportation107103100
Utilities8989100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Dolton, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Dolton is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Dolton is 97, which is 3% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Dolton, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Dolton will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Dolton Affordable?

Is Dolton affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Dolton, for instance, where the median home price falls 42.5% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 39.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Dolton flaunting a median household income of $50,237, 9.2% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Dolton?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Dolton, the transportation index is 7.2% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Dolton, the utilities index stands at 10.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Dolton cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Dolton Area
Search Homes for Sale in Dolton, IL

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Dolton is 1% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Dolton is 3% lower than the national average
  • Dolton housing is 18% lower than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Dolton

See all the best places to live around Dolton

Compare Dolton, IL Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Dolton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Dolton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Dolton poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$57,927$4,827$1,352$1,738
      Renters$35,711$2,976$833$1,071
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Dolton is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Dolton has a median income of about $57,927 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,352 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $35,711. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $833 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Goods & Services

      Item Dolton National avg. Difference
      Haircut $33.69$24.2638.9%
      Beauty Salon $53.44$45.5617.3%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.4%
      Shampoo $1.27$1.281.1%
      Movie $17.91$12.1347.6%
      Bowling $24.58$18.0036.6%

      Groceries

      Item Dolton National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.28$5.849.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.7%
      Milk $4.87$4.674.3%
      Potatoes $4.90$4.930.7%
      Pizza $13.41$12.0910.9%
      Beer $10.00$10.414.0%

      Health Care

      Item Dolton National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $118.27$125.685.9%
      Doctor $167.67$135.7823.5%
      Dentist $128.22$113.2913.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.97$10.652.9%
      Lipitor $382.34$468.6018.4%

      Housing

      Item Dolton National avg. Difference
      Home Price $106,200.00$184,700.0042.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,578.06$2,346.699.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,320.00$949.0039.1%

      Transportation

      Item Dolton National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.56$3.462.7%
      Tire Balancing $70.87$59.9218.3%

      Utilities

      Item Dolton National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $148.58$193.9923.4%
      Phone $210.03$192.259.3%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hodgkins, IL1,7538514.6%
      Ford Heights, IL2,7058614.2%
      East Chicago, IN28,0448712.7%
      Gary, IN75,4868812.0%
      Phoenix, IL1,4028812.0%
      Dolton, IL22,487972.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mandan, ND22,4821021.7%
      Christiansburg, VA22,482991.1%
      Highland, IN22,4791022.0%
      Lennox, CA22,47614948.8%
      Hopewell, VA22,500946.5%
      Dolton, IL22,487972.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.