Cost of Living in Oak Lawn, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,549 per month with rent, or $1,078 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,626 per month with rent, or $1,742 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,703 per month with rent, or $2,407 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$18.83 $18.83
$12.22 $12.22
$40.72 $40.72
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$65.5 $65.5
$40.32 $40.32
$80.6 $80.6
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.11 $10.11
$9.10 $9.10
$12.13 $12.13
Cappuccino
$5.05 $5.05
$3.93 $3.93
$5.89 $5.89
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.09 $3.09
$2.77 $2.77
$3.95 $3.95
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.16 $2.16
$1.73 $1.73
$2.96 $2.96
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.04 $5.04
$4.03 $4.03
$7.05 $7.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.04 $7.04
$6.03 $6.03
$8.05 $8.05
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.79 $0.79
$0.71 $0.71
$1.26 $1.26
White Bread (500g)
$3.22 $3.22
$1.60 $1.60
$10.72 $10.72
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.27 $3.27
$1.74 $1.74
$8.71 $8.71
Eggs
$4.35 $4.35
$1.94 $1.94
$6.13 $6.13
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.16 $10.16
$7.91 $7.91
$13.56 $13.56
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.63 $8.63
$4.53 $4.53
$15.09 $15.09
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.09 $13.09
$13.09 $13.09
$17.42 $17.42
Apples (1kg)
$3.27 $3.27
$3.27 $3.27
$8.70 $8.70
Banana (1kg)
$1.17 $1.17
$0.90 $0.90
$4.53 $4.53
Oranges (1kg)
$3.30 $3.30
$2.42 $2.42
$6.58 $6.58
Tomato (1kg)
$3.33 $3.33
$2.17 $2.17
$6.41 $6.41
Potato (1kg)
$2.19 $2.19
$1.10 $1.10
$4.49 $4.49
Onion (1kg)
$1.08 $1.08
$1.08 $1.08
$6.51 $6.51
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.93 $1.93
$1.28 $1.28
$2.95 $2.95
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.06 $2.06
$1.54 $1.54
$3.09 $3.09
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$10.12 $10.12
$9.92 $9.92
$11.43 $11.43
Wine (Bottle)
$10.15 $10.15
$10.15 $10.15
$49.72 $49.72
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.80 $1.80
$1.68 $1.68
$2.32 $2.32
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.41 $3.41
$1.46 $1.46
$6.82 $6.82
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.02 $2.02
$1.26 $1.26
$2.02 $2.02
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$49.82 $49.82
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.85 $2.85
$2.85 $2.85
$4.58 $4.58
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.55 $1.55
$1.55 $1.55
$2.72 $2.72
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.72 $20.72
$20.72 $20.72
$20.72 $20.72
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.79 $0.79
$0.70 $0.70
$1.77 $1.77
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$15.8K $15.8K
$15.8K $15.8K
$36.0K $36.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.7K $25.7K
$24.3K $24.3K
$25.7K $25.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$185 $185
$151 $151
$232 $232
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$47.55 $47.55
$34.59 $34.59
$109 $109
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$64.5 $64.5
$50.6 $50.6
$111 $111
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.94 $42.94
$17.48 $17.48
$49.93 $49.93
Cinema Ticket
$14.43 $14.43
$9.80 $9.80
$19.61 $19.61
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,823 $1,823
$1,823 $1,823
$2,302 $2,302
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$24.1K $24.1K
$24.1K $24.1K
$24.1K $24.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.36 $43.36
$12.10 $12.10
$101 $101
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$44.66 $44.66
$24.54 $24.54
$49.08 $49.08
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$81.4 $81.4
$45.76 $45.76
$153 $153
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$107 $107
$54.9 $54.9
$203 $203
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,629 $1,629
$1,220 $1,220
$1,889 $1,889
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,369 $1,369
$1,012 $1,012
$1,517 $1,517
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,663 $2,663
$2,025 $2,025
$3,037 $3,037
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,207 $2,207
$1,689 $1,689
$2,483 $2,483
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,920 $2,920
$2,125 $2,125
$2,920 $2,920
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,253 $2,253
$1,828 $1,828
$2,253 $2,253
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.55
6.19
7

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

Last update: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $314 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $66.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $50.

Cost Highlights

Milk is cheaper than 94% of cities in North America

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Oak Lawn, IL Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Oak Lawn, IL - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Oak Lawn, IL, United States compare in affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find value here?
Oak Lawn offers a balanced mix of value and convenience, cheaper than downtown Chicago and more predictable than rural suburbs. The Cost of Living in Oak Lawn, IL, United States tends to feel reasonable for longer stays, thanks to a variety of housing options, accessible groceries, and dining that avoids premium-city pricing. It appeals to singles, families, and remote workers who want a calm pace with easy access to the urban core. Choose walkable neighborhoods near transit to stabilize monthly costs and cut commuting time. Tip: map out a weekly plan that groups errands to save time and transport costs.
What does daily life look like in Oak Lawn, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking opportunities?
Daily life centers on a walkable town feel with straightforward housing options, from apartments near commercial corridors to quieter family streets. Start your housing search by prioritizing neighborhoods with easy transit access and reliable property managers, and visit multiple listings to compare layouts and noise levels. Food choices include traditional delis, large grocers, casual eateries, and seasonal farmers markets. Transit links, Metra, Pace buses, keep Chicago access simple for workdays. For remote work, look for nearby coworking spaces or coffee spots with strong Wi-Fi. Oak Lawn, IL, United States living cost remains practical for a suburban base with city proximity. Tip: keep a rotation of grocery stops and plan day trips to reduce trips.
How can you evaluate quality of life and budget for long-term stays in Oak Lawn, and how to choose a neighborhood likely to fit your lifestyle (seasonality, safety, parks, etc.)?
Quality of life here blends safety, green spaces, and easy access to local amenities and Chicago. To budget, use a simple framework: start with essential costs (housing, utilities, groceries), assign a flexible amount for dining and activities, and build a small seasonal buffer for heating and cooling without relying on numbers. Evaluate neighborhoods by vibe – dense commercial corridors for convenience or calm residential streets for quieter mornings – and test drive a few areas during different times and days. Seasonal changes affect routines more than prices, so plan around school calendars and local events. Tip: pick a neighborhood you can walk or bike to most daily needs to keep transport simple and costs predictable.
How much does it cost to live in Oak Lawn, IL per month?
Plan for roughly $2,549 a month in Oak Lawn, IL if you're renting, or around $1,078 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
What drives the high cost of living in Oak Lawn, IL?
Oak Lawn, IL is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,549. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Oak Lawn, IL?
You'll want at least $3,823 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Oak Lawn, IL. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Oak Lawn, IL?
In Oak Lawn, IL's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,629 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,369. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How much does grocery shopping cost per month in Oak Lawn, IL?
Groceries are expensive in Oak Lawn, IL – about $314 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
What is a monthly transit pass in Oak Lawn, IL?
Public transport in Oak Lawn, IL costs about $49.82 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Oak Lawn, IL?
$2,000 in Oak Lawn, IL is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,549, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
Is Oak Lawn, IL a good base for remote workers?
Digital nomads flock to Oak Lawn, IL for good reason: fast internet, family-friendly facilities, wellness scene. Monthly costs land around $2,549 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.

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