F
43%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
135%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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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 La Grange Illinois National
Cost of living14396100
Goods & Services10797100
Groceries10498100
Health care10895100
Housing23595100
Transportation107103100
Utilities8989100

An Overview of Cost of Living in La Grange, IL

Understanding the cost of living in La Grange can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The La Grange cost of living index is 143, which is 43% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in La Grange is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, La Grange falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the La Grange cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 135% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is La Grange Affordable?

Is La Grange 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 La Grange, for instance, where the median home price falls 177.5% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 35.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with La Grange flaunting a median household income of $122,629, 121.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in La Grange?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In La Grange, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In La Grange, the healthcare costs are 7.7% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In La Grange, the transportation index stands at 7.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in La Grange displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in La Grange is 49% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in La Grange is 43% higher than the national average
  • La Grange housing is 135% higher 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 La Grange

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Compare La Grange, IL Cost of Living

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      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$137,130$11,428$3,199$4,114
      Renters$50,545$4,212$1,179$1,517
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in La Grange, IL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for La Grange homeowners, is $137,130. This would allow for a maximum of $3,199 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $50,545 which would result in a maximum of $1,179 to be spent on rental costs.

      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 La Grange 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 La Grange 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 La Grange 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 La Grange National avg. Difference
      Home Price $512,500.00$184,700.00177.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,578.06$2,346.699.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,290.00$949.0035.9%

      Transportation

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

      Utilities

      Item La Grange 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%
      Phoenix, IL1,4028812.0%
      Dixmoor, IL3,5709010.2%
      Harvey, IL24,2959010.1%
      Hometown, IL4,216919.0%
      La Grange, IL15,55514343.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hot Springs Village, AR15,5621032.9%
      Mebane, NC15,564982.3%
      Dixon, IL15,5448217.7%
      Frankfort, IN15,5698613.6%
      Dentsville, SC15,537936.6%
      La Grange, IL15,55514343.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.