Cost of Living in Lake Forest, IL

With a cost of living index of 175, Lake Forest, IL is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 75% more expensive than the national average and 95% above the Illinois state average of 80. Lake Forest is a smaller community of 19,190 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lake Forest's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,120 (61% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $909,800 (198% 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 Lake Forest is $228,120, which is 204% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% 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 Lake Forest. 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.