
Grand lakefront estates and tree-lined streets near Sheridan Road give Winnetka its North Shore luxury appeal. Residents enjoy access to private Lake Michigan beaches, exclusive clubs such as Winnetka Golf Club, and a charming downtown centered around Elm Street's upscale boutiques, gourmet dining, and specialty shops. The village attracts business leaders, executives, and high-net-worth professionals seeking privacy, prestige, and a strong sense of community, with top-rated schools like New Trier High School and convenient Metra service into downtown Chicago rounding out its appeal.
Grand lakefront estates and tree-lined streets near Sheridan Road give Winnetka its North Shore luxury appeal. Residents enjoy access to private Lake Michigan beaches, exclusive clubs such as Winnetka Golf Club, and a charming dow...
Personal Safety : 98
Property Safety : 90
Community Safety : 89
$1,720,000
Median Home Rent
$1,995

Located in DuPage County, Hinsdale's prestigious 60521 ZIP code is among the richest in Illinois, with household incomes far exceeding state averages. The village is known for its stately homes, tree-lined streets, and nationally recognized schools, including Hinsdale Central High School. Residents enjoy access to exclusive private clubs such as the Hinsdale Golf Club and Ruth Lake Country Club, while the charming downtown district features upscale boutiques, fine dining, and local businesses. With its combination of luxury real estate, top-tier amenities, and proximity to Chicago, Hinsdale remains one of Illinois’ most desirable places to live.
Located in DuPage County, Hinsdale's prestigious 60521 ZIP code is among the richest in Illinois, with household incomes far exceeding state averages. The village is known for its stately homes, tree-lined streets, and nationally ...
Personal Safety : 93
Property Safety : 78
Community Safety : 79
$1,727,000
Median Home Rent
$3,800

The city is home to sprawling lakefront estates, gated properties, and grand residences set along the shores of Lake Michigan. Prestigious neighborhoods such as Onwentsia and Conway Farms attract affluent buyers seeking privacy, luxury, and expansive grounds. Downtown, Market Square offers upscale boutiques, fine dining, and premium services in a charming historic setting. Residents also enjoy access to renowned private clubs, including the Onwentsia Club and Exmoor Country Club. With its top-tier schools, architecturally significant mansions, and exceptional quality of life, Lake Forest remains one of the most sought-after luxury communities in the Chicago area.
The city is home to sprawling lakefront estates, gated properties, and grand residences set along the shores of Lake Michigan. Prestigious neighborhoods such as Onwentsia and Conway Farms attract affluent buyers seeking privacy, l...
Personal Safety : 95
Property Safety : 72
Community Safety : 90
$1,285,000
Median Home Rent
$4,300

Barrington Hills ranks among the wealthiest and most exclusive communities in Illinois. Known for its expansive estates, private equestrian properties, and custom-built homes on multi-acre lots, the village offers a level of privacy rarely found in the Chicago suburbs. Strict zoning regulations and limited commercial development help preserve its scenic, rural character and estate-style living. Residents enjoy access to horse trails, country clubs, highly regarded schools, and premium amenities, all while being within reach of the greater Chicago area. With its spacious properties, affluent population, and commitment to preserving a tranquil luxury lifestyle, Barrington Hills remains one of Illinois’ most prestigious residential communities.
Barrington Hills ranks among the wealthiest and most exclusive communities in Illinois. Known for its expansive estates, private equestrian properties, and custom-built homes on multi-acre lots, the village offers a level of priva...
Personal Safety : 91
Property Safety : 89
Community Safety : 81
$1,200,000
Median Home Rent
$3,800

Highland Park ranks among the most affluent and desirable communities on Illinois’ North Shore. Known for its beautiful lakefront setting, upscale neighborhoods, and strong sense of community, the city attracts executives, professionals, and affluent families seeking a high quality of life. Residents enjoy boutique shopping and local dining along Central Avenue, while the renowned Ravinia Festival brings world-class music and entertainment to the area each summer. Highly regarded public and private schools, including North Shore Country Day School, add to Highland Park’s appeal for families. With prestigious country clubs, luxury homes, and convenient access to Chicago, Highland Park continues to be one of the state's most sought-after and expensive places to live.
Highland Park ranks among the most affluent and desirable communities on Illinois’ North Shore. Known for its beautiful lakefront setting, upscale neighborhoods, and strong sense of community, the city attracts executives, profess...
Personal Safety : 91
Property Safety : 78
Community Safety : 78
$763,000
Median Home Rent
$2,395

Oak Brook stands among the most exclusive and affluent suburbs in Illinois, combining luxury living with a strong business presence. The village is home to Oakbrook Center, one of the region’s premier shopping destinations, featuring luxury retailers, upscale dining, and high-end services. Elegant estates, custom homes, and prestigious neighborhoods near York Road and Midwest Road attract executives, business owners, and affluent professionals. Oak Brook is also known for its private country clubs, championship golf courses, luxury hotels, and corporate headquarters that contribute to the area's high household incomes. Residents enjoy access to top private schools, wellness centers, fine dining, concierge healthcare, and a wide range of premium amenities, reinforcing Oak Brook’s reputation as one of Illinois’ most desirable places to live.
Oak Brook stands among the most exclusive and affluent suburbs in Illinois, combining luxury living with a strong business presence. The village is home to Oakbrook Center, one of the region’s premier shopping destinations, featur...
Personal Safety : 78
Property Safety : 39
Community Safety : 66
$1,050,000
Median Home Rent
$4,650

Western Springs is known for its charming historic character, tree-lined neighborhoods, and upscale homes. Luxury properties throughout the village, particularly near Old Town North and Spring Rock Park, attract buyers seeking both elegance and convenience. Residents enjoy a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, and everyday amenities, while the BNSF Metra line provides a quick commute to downtown Chicago. Highly rated schools, including Lyons Township High School, make the community especially popular with families. Limited housing inventory, strong buyer demand, and a high quality of life continue to support Western Springs’ status as one of Illinois’ most desirable and costly suburbs.
Western Springs is known for its charming historic character, tree-lined neighborhoods, and upscale homes. Luxury properties throughout the village, particularly near Old Town North and Spring Rock Park, attract buyers seeking bot...
Personal Safety : 97
Property Safety : 91
Community Safety : 92
$1,315,000
Median Home Rent
$4,150

Luxury, privacy, and small-town charm define Long Grove, one of the most expensive places to live in Illinois. Known for its spacious estates, wooded landscapes, and scenic setting, the village offers an exclusive residential atmosphere just outside Chicago. Large custom homes sit on expansive lots, while strict zoning regulations help preserve Long Grove’s historic character and limit overdevelopment. Residents enjoy a charming downtown filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, wine bars, and seasonal events, along with access to golf courses and equestrian properties. Families are drawn to the area’s highly regarded schools, including Adlai E. Stevenson High School. With limited housing supply, strong buyer demand, and a unique blend of luxury and tranquility, Long Grove remains one of Illinois’ most sought-after communities.
Luxury, privacy, and small-town charm define Long Grove, one of the most expensive places to live in Illinois. Known for its spacious estates, wooded landscapes, and scenic setting, the village offers an exclusive residential atmo...
Personal Safety : 81
Property Safety : 83
Community Safety : 76
$830,000
Median Home Rent
$5,600

Lakefront luxury defines Wilmette. This North Shore suburb ranks among the most expensive places to live near Chicago. Elegant estates surround Lake Michigan, Gillson Park, and the private Wilmette Harbor marina. Wealthy families choose neighborhoods such as Indian Hill Estates for large homes and exclusive lakefront views. Residents enjoy fine dining, boutique shopping, yacht clubs, and premium wellness services. Top-rated schools such as New Trier High School and elite private academies attract high-income buyers. Limited housing supply keeps living costs high.
Lakefront luxury defines Wilmette. This North Shore suburb ranks among the most expensive places to live near Chicago. Elegant estates surround Lake Michigan, Gillson Park, and the private Wilmette Harbor marina. Wealthy families ...
Personal Safety : 90
Property Safety : 73
Community Safety : 84
$950,000
Median Home Rent
$3,900

Burr Ridge ranks among the most expensive places to live in Illinois. The village's gated communities, custom estates, and private wooded lots draw executives and business owners after a luxury lifestyle with quick access to downtown Chicago. Residents enjoy upscale dining at Village Center, boutique shopping, private fitness clubs, and premium wellness services. Top private schools and country clubs add to its elite appeal. Strong demand and high housing costs keep Burr Ridge one of the state's wealthiest suburbs.
Burr Ridge ranks among the most expensive places to live in Illinois. The village's gated communities, custom estates, and private wooded lots draw executives and business owners after a luxury lifestyle with quick access to downt...
Personal Safety : 76
Property Safety : 75
Community Safety : 80
$737,500
Median Home Rent
$2,400
Transparent & data-driven
Each city is scored across five weighted categories using daily MLS data and verified government stats. Every metric is benchmarked against both its state average and the national average — dual benchmarking — so a market isn’t judged expensive just for sitting in a high-cost state.
Sale price, price per sq ft & high-value concentration vs. state and national benchmarks.
Median rent, rent-to-income ratio & rental demand vs. state and national medians.
The gap between median household income and the cost of living for the area.
Turnover, scarcity, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.
Utilities, transportation & everyday goods vs. state and national averages — the tiebreaker.
MLS metrics update daily; government data is added on each agency’s release schedule.
High home prices are only part of the equation in Illinois's priciest markets. Groceries, utilities, and insurance all run above the national average. Here is what to expect across five of Illinois's most expensive cities.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnetka | $1,720,000 | $1,995 | 1/10 | |
| Hinsdale | $1,727,000 | $3,800 | 2/10 | |
| Lake Forest | $1,285,000 | $4,300 | 3/10 | |
| Barrington Hills | $1,200,000 | $3,800 | 4/10 | |
| Highland Park | $763,000 | $2,395 | 5/10 |
Illinois gets a bad reputation sometimes, but the full picture tells a different story. Several cities across the state report violent and property crime rates well below the state average, based on the latest FBI crime data. Take a look at our safest places to live in Illinois rankings to see which cities made the list.
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