Carol Stream, IL

Average · 105

Illinois · Population 39,427 · Updated March 2026

$1,465
Median Rent / Month
$105,395
Median Income
$308,700
Median Home Value
$1,656
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Carol Stream

16.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Illinois

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.95%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
2.07%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$17,580
Annual Rent
$5,217
State Income Tax
$6,390
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Carol Stream is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 105 (where 100 equals the national median), Carol Stream residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,465/month while earning a median household income of $105,395/year.

The median home value in Carol Stream, IL is $308,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,656 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Illinois has a moderate income tax rate of 4.95%. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 2.07% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Carol Stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Carol Stream

What is the cost of living in Carol Stream, IL?
The cost of living index in Carol Stream, IL is 105 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,465, median household income is $105,395/year, and the median home value is $308,700.
Is Carol Stream, IL affordable?
No, Carol Stream is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 105. The rent-to-income ratio is 16.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Carol Stream, IL?
The median gross rent in Carol Stream, IL is $1,465 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,580.
What is the median household income in Carol Stream?
The median household income in Carol Stream, IL is $105,395 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Illinois?
Illinois has a top income tax rate of 4.95%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 2.07%.