Elmhurst, IL

Very High · 151

Illinois · Population 45,538 · Updated March 2026

$1,877
Median Rent / Month
$145,374
Median Income
$532,800
Median Home Value
$2,191
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Elmhurst

15.5%
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

$22,524
Annual Rent
$7,196
State Income Tax
$11,029
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Elmhurst has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 151 (where 100 equals the national median), Elmhurst residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,877/month while earning a median household income of $145,374/year.

The median home value in Elmhurst, IL is $532,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,191 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% 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 Elmhurst.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Elmhurst

What is the cost of living in Elmhurst, IL?
The cost of living index in Elmhurst, IL is 151 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,877, median household income is $145,374/year, and the median home value is $532,800.
Is Elmhurst, IL affordable?
No, Elmhurst is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 151. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Elmhurst, IL?
The median gross rent in Elmhurst, IL is $1,877 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,524.
What is the median household income in Elmhurst?
The median household income in Elmhurst, IL is $145,374 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%.