Cost of Living in Harwood Heights, IL

With a cost of living index of 97, Harwood Heights, IL is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 3% cheaper than the national average and 17% above the Illinois state average of 80. Harwood Heights is a smaller community of 8,851 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Harwood Heights's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,166 (12% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $316,400 (4% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Harwood Heights is $79,651, which is 6% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Harwood Heights. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.3°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches spread over roughly 126 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.