Cost of Living in Highland Park, IL

With a cost of living index of 142, Highland Park, IL is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 42% more expensive than the national average and 63% above the Illinois state average of 80. With a population of 30,229, Highland Park is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Highland Park's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,903 (44% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $594,400 (95% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Highland Park is $161,875, which is 115% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Highland Park. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.8°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 32.3 inches spread over roughly 112 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.