Cost of Living in River Forest, IL

With a cost of living index of 134, River Forest, IL is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 34% more expensive than the national average and 54% above the Illinois state average of 80. River Forest is a smaller community of 11,489 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in River Forest's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,411 (7% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $676,900 (122% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in River Forest is $148,711, which is 98% 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 River 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.