Cost of Living in Hillcrest, IL

With a cost of living index of 83, Hillcrest, IL is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 4% above the Illinois state average of 80. Hillcrest is a small community of 1,679 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hillcrest's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,158 (12% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $151,900 (50% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Hillcrest is $77,609, which is 3% 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 Hillcrest. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.8°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 24°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches spread over roughly 131 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.