Most Expensive Places to Live in Illinois in 2026

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Rankings: 10 Most Expensive Places in Illinois

Hinsdale, IL

How do you rate Hinsdale?

Hinsdale ranks among the top 10 wealthiest suburbs in America. Located in DuPage County west of Chicago, its 60521 ZIP code is one of the richest in Illinois. The median household income exceeds $250,000. Families compete for spot...

86/100

Safety Score

Why is Hinsdale safe?

Personal Safety : 93

Personal Safety: 93/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

40%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

50%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 74

Property Safety: 74/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

44.44%

Larceny

2.9%

Motor Vehicle Theft

12.5%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 73

Community Safety: 73/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

25%

Stolen Property Offenses

28.57%

Vandalism

56.9%

Weapon Law Violations

66.67%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

47.06%

Home Prices in Hinsdale

$1,727,000

Median Home Rent

$3,800

Homes for Sale in Hinsdale Link

(View 41 homes)

Winnetka, IL

How do you rate Winnetka?

Located on Chicago's North Shore, Winnetka ranks among the most expensive places to live in Illinois. The village features luxury estates near Sheridan Road, private access to Lake Michigan beaches, and exclusive clubs like the Wi...

91/100

Safety Score

Why is Winnetka safe?

Personal Safety : 92

Personal Safety: 92/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 87

Property Safety: 87/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

95.24%

Larceny

9.8%

Motor Vehicle Theft

50%

Arson

Theft From Building

400%

Community Safety : 87

Community Safety: 87/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

11.76%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

3.23%

Weapon Law Violations

66.67%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

200%

Home Prices in Winnetka

$1,720,000

Median Home Rent

$1,995

Homes for Sale in Winnetka Link

(View 30 homes)

Western Springs, IL

How do you rate Western Springs?

Western Springs ranks among the most expensive places to live in Illinois. The suburb features elegant historic estates, tree-lined streets, and luxury homes near Spring Rock Park and the prestigious Old Town North area. Residents...

96/100

Safety Score

Why is Western Springs safe?

Personal Safety : 96

Personal Safety: 96/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 94

Property Safety: 94/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

33.33%

Larceny

7.69%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 92

Community Safety: 92/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

42.86%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

20%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Western Springs

$1,315,000

Median Home Rent

$4,150

Homes for Sale in Western Springs Link

(View 24 homes)

Lake Forest, IL

How do you rate Lake Forest?

Known for its wealth and exclusivity, Lake Forest stands as one of the most expensive places to live in Illinois. The city features lakefront estates, gated properties, and private roads near Lake Michigan. Wealthy residents live ...

86/100

Safety Score

Why is Lake Forest safe?

Personal Safety : 93

Personal Safety: 93/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 63

Property Safety: 63/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

82.5%

Larceny

2.82%

Motor Vehicle Theft

54.55%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 90

Community Safety: 90/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

Stolen Property Offenses

50%

Vandalism

7.14%

Weapon Law Violations

72.73%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Lake Forest

$1,285,000

Median Home Rent

$4,300

Homes for Sale in Lake Forest Link

(View 55 homes)

Barrington Hills, IL

How do you rate Barrington Hills?

Barrington Hills ranks among the wealthiest suburbs in Illinois. The village features gated estates, private equestrian grounds, and custom homes on large acreage. Barrington Hills Country Club and nearby luxury dining spots attra...

90/100

Safety Score

Why is Barrington Hills safe?

Personal Safety : 88

Personal Safety: 88/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 88

Property Safety: 88/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

33.33%

Larceny

22.22%

Motor Vehicle Theft

200%

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 80

Community Safety: 80/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

55.56%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Barrington Hills

$1,200,000

Median Home Rent

$3,800

Homes for Sale in Barrington Hills Link

(View 43 homes)

Oak Brook, IL

How do you rate Oak Brook?

Oak Brook stands as one of Illinois' most exclusive suburbs. Oakbrook Center draws luxury shoppers with brands like Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. The village features private country clubs, championship golf cour...

79/100

Safety Score

Why is Oak Brook safe?

Personal Safety : 77

Personal Safety: 77/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 69

Property Safety: 69/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

76%

Larceny

349

26.53%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 67

Community Safety: 67/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

24%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

3.33%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

57.89%

Home Prices in Oak Brook

$1,050,000

Median Home Rent

$4,650

Homes for Sale in Oak Brook Link

(View 47 homes)

Wilmette, IL

How do you rate Wilmette?

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 ...

81/100

Safety Score

Why is Wilmette safe?

Personal Safety : 88

Personal Safety: 88/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

50%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 66

Property Safety: 66/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

61.96%

Larceny

181

16.97%

Motor Vehicle Theft

12.5%

Arson

Theft From Building

47.17%

Community Safety : 75

Community Safety: 75/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

6.25%

Stolen Property Offenses

50%

Vandalism

34.94%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

40.62%

Home Prices in Wilmette

$950,000

Median Home Rent

$3,900

Homes for Sale in Wilmette Link

(View 28 homes)

Long Grove, IL

How do you rate Long Grove?

Luxury and privacy define Long Grove. The village ranks among the most expensive places to live in Illinois. Large estates sit on wooded lots near the Historic Downtown district and the famous covered bridges. Strict zoning laws p...

35/100

Safety Score

Why is Long Grove safe?

Personal Safety : 24

Personal Safety: 24/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

66.67%

Robbery

16.67%

Aggravated Assault

37.84%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 11

Property Safety: 11/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

28.36%

Larceny

287

0.35%

Motor Vehicle Theft

11.67%

Arson

66.67%

Theft From Building

16.67%

Community Safety : 9

Community Safety: 9/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

411

40.27%

Stolen Property Offenses

60%

Vandalism

197

15.2%

Weapon Law Violations

18.52%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

14.81%

Home Prices in Long Grove

$830,000

Median Home Rent

$5,600

Homes for Sale in Long Grove Link

(View 36 homes)

Highland Park, IL

How do you rate Highland Park?

An elite North Shore suburb, Highland Park stands as one of the most expensive places to live in Illinois. The area attracts executives and wealthy families. Housing costs far exceed national averages. Residents shop at high-end b...

84/100

Safety Score

Why is Highland Park safe?

Personal Safety : 88

Personal Safety: 88/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

16.67%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

57.14%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 75

Property Safety: 75/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

4.76%

Larceny

170

17.07%

Motor Vehicle Theft

4.76%

Arson

Theft From Building

52.63%

Community Safety : 76

Community Safety: 76/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

103

17.05%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

6.41%

Weapon Law Violations

28.57%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

58%

Home Prices in Highland Park

$763,000

Median Home Rent

$2,395

Homes for Sale in Highland Park Link

(View 61 homes)

#10

Burr Ridge, IL

How do you rate Burr Ridge?

Burr Ridge ranks among the most expensive places to live in Illinois. The village features gated communities, custom estates, and private wooded lots. Many executives and business owners choose Burr Ridge for its luxury lifestyle ...

82/100

Safety Score

Why is Burr Ridge safe?

Personal Safety : 75

Personal Safety: 75/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

100%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

150%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 82

Property Safety: 82/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

47.83%

Larceny

16.67%

Motor Vehicle Theft

166.67%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 78

Community Safety: 78/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

14.89%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

45%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

333.33%

Home Prices in Burr Ridge

$737,500

Median Home Rent

$2,400

Homes for Sale in Burr Ridge Link

(View 50 homes)

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Illinois

Top 3 Most Expensive Illinois Cities for Retirees

Retirees in Illinois often look beyond just home prices and focus more on comfort, healthcare access, and a peaceful daily routine. Some upscale communities stand out because they offer safe neighborhoods, walkable areas, and strong senior services in one place. Here are the expensive places to live in Illinois that retirees continue to choose:

Lake Forest - Lake Forest is popularly known as one of the richest cities in Illinois. It offers retirees a quiet and highly maintained environment along Lake Michigan. Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital offers top-of-the-line medical facilities and cardiology services. The hospital is known for advanced senior-focused care. Many retirees also explore homes for sale in Lake Forest because of the city's peaceful setting and premium lifestyle. Neighborhoods such as Conway Farms and East Lake Forest feature large homes in peaceful surroundings that appeal to retirees.
Highland Park - For retirees seeking safety and an active lifestyle, Highland Park would be a good choice. NorthShore Highland Park Hospital provides high-quality healthcare. In addition, downtown Highland Park and the Ravinia neighborhood offer dining, shopping, and entertainment venues within walking distance. Lakefront parks, golf courses, and community programs give retirees plenty of ways to stay engaged year-round.
Naperville - Naperville attracts retirees because of its amenities and strong community planning. Areas like Ashwood Park and White Eagle offer quiet residential streets, walking trails, and low-maintenance living options. The city is an amazing place for advanced healthcare facilities, with top hospitals like Edward Hospital located here. Downtown Naperville keeps daily life convenient with restaurants, riverwalk paths, and local events close to home. However, it is always better to keep an eye on the Naperville housing market before deciding, as house prices are on the rise. The rising demand for homes for sale in Naperville has placed it among the most expensive cities in Illinois to buy a home.

Top 3 Most Expensive Illinois Cities for Families

Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Young Adults

Illinois gives young adults access to strong job markets, active downtown districts, and well-connected suburbs close to Chicago. Many professionals willingly pay higher housing costs for better career growth, nightlife, and daily convenience. Here are the top expensive places to live in Illinois that continue to attract young adults:

Chicago - Chicago remains one of the most attractive and desirable places to live in Illinois. It is an ideal location for young professionals because of its massive job market and urban lifestyle. Many young buyers explore homes for sale in Chicago while looking for neighborhoods that offer both career access and an active social scene. Industries like finance, healthcare, tech, and consulting continue to expand across Downtown, River North, and the West Loop. Lincoln Park and Wicker Park feature restaurants, bars, gym facilities, and even coworking spaces within walking distance. All these amenities make homes for sale in Chicago a good choice for young adults.
Evanston - The city of Evanston is favored by young professionals who seek a tranquil atmosphere while staying close to Chicago's job market. Northwestern University brings research jobs, startup activity, and a steady social scene that keeps the city active year-round. Areas near Central Street and Downtown Evanston offer apartments, cafés, and quick public transit access into Chicago. The wealthiest cities in Illinois also have lakefront parks and walkable streets that add to the city's appeal for professionals who value balance outside work.
Lake Forest - Lake Forest distinguishes itself from other Illinois cities for its luxurious homes and peaceful residential areas. The city also offers convenient Metra rail service that gives direct access to Chicago's downtown area. Young professionals working in finance, healthcare, and corporate sectors often choose the city for its privacy and upscale environment. Lake Michigan shoreline access and well-maintained public spaces also improve the everyday quality of life. People consider Lake Forest one of the cities with the most expensive homes in Illinois.

Cost of Living in Illinois's Most Expensive Cities

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	86% above national avg	1/10
Hinsdale	$1,727,000	$3,800	75% above national avg	2/10
Lake Forest	$1,285,000	$4,300	70% above national avg	3/10
Barrington Hills	$1,200,000	$3,800	65% above national avg	4/10
Highland Park	$763,000	$2,395	50% above national avg	5/10

Safest Places to Live in Illinois

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.

Homer Glen

94/100

Score

Safest Safest

Pingree Grove

94/100

Score

Safest Safest

Buffalo Grove

91/100

Score

Safest Safest

Elmhurst

83/100

Score

Safest Safest

Oswego

77/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the most expensive places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost of living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where housing costs, cost of living, and overall expenses are strongest relative to the state and national baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the richest area in Illinois?

Kenilworth in Cook County is widely considered the wealthiest community in Illinois. It is known for its lakefront mansions, very high household incomes, and exclusive North Shore location. Winnetka, Hinsdale, and Lake Forest are also among the wealthiest communities in the state.

Why is Illinois so wealthy?

Illinois is wealthy because it has a strong economy built on finance, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and transportation. Chicago plays a major role as one of the country's largest business and trade centers. The state also benefits from major corporations, extensive rail networks, and access to Lake Michigan, all of which support economic growth.

How do I buy a house in an expensive area in Illinois?

Buying a home in an expensive Illinois area in an expensive Illinois area starts with checking your finances and securing mortgage pre-approval early. As you explore how to buy a house in Illinois, remember to budget for added expenses like property taxes, inspections, and closing costs. It's also smart to work with a local agent who understands competitive neighborhoods and pricing trends.

Is $300,000 a good salary in Chicago?

Yes, $300,000 is considered a very strong salary in Chicago and can support a very comfortable lifestyle in most parts of the city. It is well above the city's median household income and allows access to upscale housing, dining, and strong savings potential. Your lifestyle will still depend on factors like neighborhood, family size, and spending habits.

Why are property taxes so exceptionally high in wealthy Illinois suburbs?

Illinois relies heavily on local property taxes to fund its top-tier public school districts, meaning luxury homeowners pay a premium to maintain elite public education.

What is the most expensive ZIP code for luxury real estate in Illinois?

The 60093 ZIP code, which covers Winnetka and part of Northfield, consistently ranks as the most expensive in the state by median home value.

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Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.