Cost of Living in Palatine, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,142 (excluding rent), and $2,625 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,487 (excluding rent), and $4,900 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.08 $19.08

$12.05 $12.05

$35.37 $35.37

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$75.6 $75.6

$50.4 $50.4

$126 $126

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.18 $11.18

$10.12 $10.12

$14.23 $14.23

Cappuccino

$5.19 $5.19

$3.57 $3.57

$8.16 $8.16

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

$2.49 $2.49

$1.96 $1.96

$3.92 $3.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.53 $1.53

$3.06 $3.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.85 $5.85

$3.9 $3.9

$8.29 $8.29

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.89 $6.89

$4.92 $4.92

$9.84 $9.84

Milk (1 liter)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.77 $0.77

$1.48 $1.48

White Bread (500g)

$3.47 $3.47

$2.13 $2.13

$5.45 $5.45

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.47 $4.47

$2.15 $2.15

$8.83 $8.83

Eggs

$4.12 $4.12

$1.96 $1.96

$6.87 $6.87

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.2 $12.2

$6.96 $6.96

$21.93 $21.93

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.7 $11.7

$6.24 $6.24

$20.19 $20.19

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.25 $15.25

$9.8 $9.8

$23.96 $23.96

Apples (1kg)

$4.99 $4.99

$2.6 $2.6

$8.96 $8.96

Banana (1kg)

$1.57 $1.57

$1.08 $1.08

$4.1 $4.1

Oranges (1kg)

$4.31 $4.31

$2.23 $2.23

$8.95 $8.95

Tomato (1kg)

$4.64 $4.64

$2.16 $2.16

$8.65 $8.65

Potato (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$1.36 $1.36

$6.32 $6.32

Onion (1kg)

$2.8 $2.8

$1.8 $1.8

$4.34 $4.34

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.09 $2.09

$1.41 $1.41

$3.05 $3.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.22 $1.22

$3.31 $3.31

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.41 $9.41

$7.85 $7.85

$11.77 $11.77

Wine (Bottle)

$14.08 $14.08

$8.85 $8.85

$21.62 $21.62

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.85 $1.85

$1.77 $1.77

$2.92 $2.92

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.32 $3.32

$1.58 $1.58

$5.93 $5.93

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.6 $3.6

$3.08 $3.08

$5.14 $5.14

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.67 $1.67

$1.59 $1.59

$2.23 $2.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.75 $28.75

$26 $26

$34.47 $34.47

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.89 $0.89

$0.79 $0.79

$1.04 $1.04

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

$29K $29K

$23.2K $23.2K

$35.3K $35.3K

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

$25.7K $25.7K

$25.1K $25.1K

$27.1K $27.1K

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

$186 $186

$119 $119

$340 $340

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

$52 $52

$29.51 $29.51

$98.4 $98.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.3 $68.3

$50.4 $50.4

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.65 $43.65

$17.77 $17.77

$50.8 $50.8

Cinema Ticket

$13.33 $13.33

$10.86 $10.86

$17.77 $17.77

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

$1,318 $1,318

$1,015 $1,015

$1,875 $1,875

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.7K $23.7K

$17K $17K

$27.6K $27.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.2 $50.2

$29.45 $29.45

$78.5 $78.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.21 $39.21

$24.5 $24.5

$63.7 $63.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.8 $86.8

$60.1 $60.1

$130 $130

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$112 $112

$64.2 $64.2

$201 $201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,630 $1,630

$1,221 $1,221

$1,889 $1,889

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,372 $1,372

$1,014 $1,014

$1,521 $1,521

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,670 $2,670

$2,030 $2,030

$3,045 $3,045

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,258 $2,258

$1,728 $1,728

$2,541 $2,541

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,665 $2,665

$1,954 $1,954

$2,665 $2,665

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,377 $2,377

$1,942 $1,942

$2,377 $2,377

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,412 $5,412

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Palatine, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

Palatine, IL offers a balanced mix of affordable suburban living and easy access to city amenities, which many travelers, expats, and digital nomads find valuable. In broad terms, the Cost of Living in Palatine, IL sits lower than central Chicago or pricier neighbor towns, with reasonable rents and simpler housing options. You get roomy housing by the suburbs, local parks, and shopping without the intensity of a big city. Seasonal weather means you’ll want to budget for heating in winter and cooling in summer, but you’ll still enjoy reliable services and safety. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods before committing.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll find a mix of affordable rental options and family-friendly homes, with many walking-friendly streets around the downtown corridor. Housing search tips: look for newer apartments near Metra stations or quieter side streets for value; ask about utilities and parking in lease terms. For groceries, you’ll have reliable supermarkets and local markets with seasonal produce. Dining tends to be casual and budget-conscious, and there are plenty of takeout and coffee spots ideal for digital nomads. Palatine, IL living cost can vary by neighborhood, so compare several options before committing. Tip: Test a few coworking-friendly cafes for reliable Wi-Fi and quiet corners.

Quality of life in Palatine centers on balance: quiet residential streets, easy access to parks, and a comfortable pace for weekends. Use a simple budgeting framework like 50/30/20 to guide housing, food, and discretionary spending, then build in seasonal shifts for heating and cooling. Neighborhood fit varies: downtown Palatine offers walkable dining and quick amenities, while the residential belts feel more spacious but farther from shops. Save by cooking at home, buying in bulk, and taking advantage of farmer's markets when in season. For longer stays, set a monthly review to adjust for shifts in work, travel, and weather. Tip: Prioritize a base that minimizes long commutes and maximizes nearby green space.