Cost of Living in Crystal Lake, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,053 (excluding rent), and $2,945 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,955 (excluding rent), and $5,078 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.14 $15.14

$12.11 $12.11

$20.19 $20.19

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$74.5 $74.5

$49.65 $49.65

$149 $149

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.14 $11.14

$10.13 $10.13

$15.19 $15.19

Cappuccino

$5.51 $5.51

$4.1 $4.1

$7.53 $7.53

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.73 $2.73

$2.04 $2.04

$3.56 $3.56

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.26 $2.26

$1.96 $1.96

$2.94 $2.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.95 $5.95

$3.96 $3.96

$7.93 $7.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.84 $6.84

$4.88 $4.88

$7.81 $7.81

Milk (1 liter)

$0.93 $0.93

$0.73 $0.73

$1.18 $1.18

White Bread (500g)

$3.73 $3.73

$1.96 $1.96

$7.69 $7.69

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.19 $5.19

$3.25 $3.25

$6.54 $6.54

Eggs

$4.1 $4.1

$2.03 $2.03

$7.23 $7.23

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.83 $13.83

$10.96 $10.96

$19.77 $19.77

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.49 $13.49

$5.97 $5.97

$20.1 $20.1

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.31 $16.31

$7.64 $7.64

$21.82 $21.82

Apples (1kg)

$4.48 $4.48

$2.64 $2.64

$8.86 $8.86

Banana (1kg)

$1.53 $1.53

$1.1 $1.1

$2.44 $2.44

Oranges (1kg)

$5.85 $5.85

$1.53 $1.53

$12.58 $12.58

Tomato (1kg)

$4.57 $4.57

$2.13 $2.13

$7.26 $7.26

Potato (1kg)

$2.7 $2.7

$1.55 $1.55

$3.57 $3.57

Onion (1kg)

$2.87 $2.87

$1.76 $1.76

$4.28 $4.28

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.92 $1.92

$1.45 $1.45

$2.03 $2.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.37 $1.37

$2.94 $2.94

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.07 $10.07

$9.06 $9.06

$12.08 $12.08

Wine (Bottle)

$14.15 $14.15

$9.89 $9.89

$18.8 $18.8

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.32 $2.32

$1.71 $1.71

$2.97 $2.97

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.86 $4.86

$2.34 $2.34

$7.14 $7.14

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.24 $1.24

$1.98 $1.98

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.49 $4.49

$4.98 $4.98

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.12 $2.12

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$41.51 $41.51

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.82 $0.82

$0.7 $0.7

$0.93 $0.93

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$24.6K $24.6K

$23.6K $23.6K

$29.5K $29.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.2K $25.2K

$24.5K $24.5K

$25.7K $25.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$217 $217

$150 $150

$390 $390

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.6 $50.6

$39.68 $39.68

$79.4 $79.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$73.5 $73.5

$49.05 $49.05

$98.1 $98.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.92 $42.92

$17.47 $17.47

$49.91 $49.91

Cinema Ticket

$15.29 $15.29

$13.25 $13.25

$25.49 $25.49

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,607 $1,607

$1,184 $1,184

$1,692 $1,692

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.4K $24.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$67.2 $67.2

$60.5 $60.5

$75.6 $75.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.96 $48.96

$30.38 $30.38

$60.8 $60.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$102 $102

$75.5 $75.5

$119 $119

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$134 $134

$117 $117

$177 $177

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,617 $1,617

$1,214 $1,214

$2,019 $2,019

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,588 $1,588

$1,193 $1,193

$1,983 $1,983

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,587 $2,587

$1,967 $1,967

$2,951 $2,951

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,217 $2,217

$1,696 $1,696

$2,494 $2,494

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,041 $3,041

$2,230 $2,230

$3,041 $3,041

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,136 $2,136

$1,745 $1,745

$2,136 $2,136

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.55

6.19

6.9

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Crystal Lake, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Crystal Lake, IL, United States tends to be more affordable than central city neighborhoods and many coastal metros, while still supporting a modern lifestyle. Crystal Lake sits as a family-friendly suburb with easy access to Chicago, offering value in solid schools, well-kept parks, and a compact downtown that keeps errands convenient. Housing options range from modest rentals to single-family homes with comfortable yard space, and local groceries and services are generally closer to suburbs' mid-range. Budget for seasonal heating and cooling, then compare Chicagoland areas for value. Tip: explore neighborhoods by commute and vibe.

Day-to-day life in Crystal Lake centers on a car-friendly layout, a walkable town center, and convenient services. When searching for housing, look in established neighborhoods near schools or the lake for value and predictability. For daily options, you'll find a mix of supermarkets, locally owned shops, and farmers markets in season. Transit is viable for occasional Chicago trips, but most people rely on a car for errands and work. Co-working spaces and cafes offer steady wifi and space for remote work. Crystal Lake living cost stays steady enough to plan a monthly budget around housing, groceries, and transport. Tip: try a month-long neighborhood scout before committing.

Quality of life in Crystal Lake blends small-town charm with easy access to Chicago. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: cover housing, then essentials, with room for occasional experiences like local dining or outdoor activities. Neighborhood fit matters – the lakefront districts feel more social in summer, while mature tree-lined streets nearby the downtown center offer quiet evenings. Seasonality shapes energy use and activity calendars, so plan ahead for heating costs in winter and porch-season comforts in spring and fall. For savings, consider longer rental terms, shopping at farmers markets, and biking or walking for short trips. Tip: build a weekly routine around the neighborhood's markets, parks, and libraries.