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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,053 (excluding rent), and $2,883 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,620 (excluding rent), and $5,061 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.1 $15.1

$12.08 $12.08

$20.14 $20.14

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$74.8 $74.8

$49.84 $49.84

$150 $150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.93 $10.93

$9.94 $9.94

$14.91 $14.91

Cappuccino

$5.32 $5.32

$3.95 $3.95

$7.26 $7.26

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

$2.6 $2.6

$1.94 $1.94

$3.4 $3.4

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.29 $2.29

$1.98 $1.98

$2.97 $2.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.01 $6.01

$4.01 $4.01

$8.02 $8.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.91 $6.91

$4.94 $4.94

$7.9 $7.9

Milk (1 liter)

$0.93 $0.93

$0.74 $0.74

$1.18 $1.18

White Bread (500g)

$3.76 $3.76

$1.98 $1.98

$7.75 $7.75

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.09 $5.09

$3.18 $3.18

$6.41 $6.41

Eggs

$3.95 $3.95

$1.96 $1.96

$6.96 $6.96

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.02 $14.02

$11.11 $11.11

$20.04 $20.04

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.34 $13.34

$5.91 $5.91

$19.88 $19.88

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.77 $16.77

$7.85 $7.85

$22.43 $22.43

Apples (1kg)

$4.46 $4.46

$2.63 $2.63

$8.83 $8.83

Banana (1kg)

$1.53 $1.53

$1.09 $1.09

$2.43 $2.43

Oranges (1kg)

$5.84 $5.84

$1.53 $1.53

$12.57 $12.57

Tomato (1kg)

$4.77 $4.77

$2.22 $2.22

$7.58 $7.58

Potato (1kg)

$2.58 $2.58

$1.48 $1.48

$3.42 $3.42

Onion (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$1.79 $1.79

$4.37 $4.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.51 $1.51

$2.12 $2.12

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.41 $1.41

$3.03 $3.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.99 $9.99

$8.99 $8.99

$11.99 $11.99

Wine (Bottle)

$12.6 $12.6

$10.08 $10.08

$19.15 $19.15

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.37 $2.37

$1.76 $1.76

$3.04 $3.04

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.71 $4.71

$2.27 $2.27

$6.91 $6.91

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.9 $1.9

$1.19 $1.19

$1.9 $1.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.6 $4.6

$5.11 $5.11

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.13 $2.13

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.43 $42.43

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.87 $0.87

$0.74 $0.74

$0.98 $0.98

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

$25.2K $25.2K

$24.2K $24.2K

$30.2K $30.2K

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

$25.1K $25.1K

$24.4K $24.4K

$25.6K $25.6K

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

$218 $218

$150 $150

$391 $391

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

$50.1 $50.1

$39.31 $39.31

$78.6 $78.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$75.1 $75.1

$50.2 $50.2

$100 $100

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$39.71 $39.71

$16.16 $16.16

$46.17 $46.17

Cinema Ticket

$14.9 $14.9

$12.91 $12.91

$24.83 $24.83

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

$1,612 $1,612

$1,188 $1,188

$1,697 $1,697

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.1K $24.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$67.3 $67.3

$60.5 $60.5

$75.7 $75.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.12 $48.12

$29.86 $29.86

$59.7 $59.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$102 $102

$75.9 $75.9

$119 $119

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$135 $135

$117 $117

$178 $178

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,609 $1,609

$1,209 $1,209

$2,009 $2,009

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,575 $1,575

$1,183 $1,183

$1,967 $1,967

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,578 $2,578

$1,960 $1,960

$2,941 $2,941

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,236 $2,236

$1,710 $1,710

$2,515 $2,515

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,915 $2,915

$2,082 $2,082

$2,915 $2,915

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,783 $2,783

$2,152 $2,152

$2,783 $2,783

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.

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.