Cost of Living in Oak Forest, IL

With a cost of living index of 95, Oak Forest, IL is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 5% cheaper than the national average and 15% above the Illinois state average of 80. With a population of 26,888, Oak Forest 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 Oak Forest's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,287 (2% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $247,800 (19% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Oak Forest is $87,941, which is 17% 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 Oak Forest. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.1°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 34.4 inches spread over roughly 121 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.