What is the cost of living in Highwood, IL?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Highwood has an overall cost of living index of 126, which is 1.3x higher than the national index of 100.
Compared to Illinois, Highwood has a cost of living index that's 1.3x higher than Illinois's index of 98.
The standard of living in Highwood ranks as #297 most affordable out of the 336 places we measured in Illinois. By definition, that implies Highwood ranks as the #39 most expensive place in the Prairie State.
For more reading on life in Highwood, check out:
Highwood Cost Of Living Vs. Illinois
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Highwood. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Highwood is 100.
The Groceries index in Highwood is 97.
The Health index in Highwood is 192.
The Housing index in Highwood is 100.
The Transportation index in Highwood is 103.
The Utilities index in Highwood is 101.
| Living Expense | Highwood | Illinois | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 126 | 98 | 100 |
| Services | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Health | 192 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Transportation | 103 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 101 | 100 |
Highwood Cost Of Living Compared To Illinois Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Illinois, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Highwood Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Highwood, IL Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Illinois, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Highwood is $467,497.
The Median Rent in Highwood is $1,900.
The Median Income in Highwood is $107,875.
The Home Value To Income in Highwood is 4.3x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Highwood is 0.21x.
Highwood, IL Costs By Category
Detailed Highwood Services costs vs. Illinois
Detailed Highwood Groceries costs vs. Illinois
Detailed Highwood Health costs vs. Illinois
Detailed Highwood Transportation costs vs. Illinois
Highwood SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Highwood
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Highwood. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Arlington Heights, IL has a cost of living index of 125, 1.0x Highwood.
Glenview, IL has a cost of living index of 146, 1.2x Highwood.
Buffalo Grove, IL has a cost of living index of 126, 1.0x Highwood.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Highwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington Heights, IL | 76,005 | 125 | 1.0x |
| Glenview, IL | 47,752 | 146 | 1.2x |
| Buffalo Grove, IL | 42,891 | 126 | 1.0x |
| Park Ridge, IL | 38,667 | 135 | 1.1x |
| Northbrook, IL | 34,585 | 151 | 1.2x |
| Highland Park, IL | 30,398 | 144 | 1.1x |
| Wilmette, IL | 27,503 | 161 | 1.3x |
| Lake Zurich, IL | 19,832 | 122 | 1.0x |
| Deerfield, IL | 19,518 | 148 | 1.2x |
| Lake Forest, IL | 19,416 | 180 | 1.4x |








