Choosing where to raise a family shapes a childโs experiences and opportunities. For those seeking affordability, Cook County has plenty to offer.
Nicheโs 2024 list of Places with the Lowest Cost of Living in Cook County highlights budget-friendly towns, factoring in home value-to-income ratios, rent, gas, grocery costs and more.
This story was updated on Dec. 11, 2024 by Chicago Parentโs Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Her update included reviewing the latest information and adding a graphic. Questions? Please email katina@chicagoparent.com.
Best places with the lowest cost of living in Cook County
1. Hodgkinsย
- Average home value: $38,100
- Population: 1,714
Hodgkins Park District manages a large community center and park system with scheduled activities year round.ย
2. Hometown
- Average home value: $151,400
- Population: 4,299
Hometown, a town with several community parks and recreation centers, scores an โAโ from Niche for diversity and an โA-โ in outdoor activities and good for families categories.ย
3. Ford Heights
- Average home value: $42,200
- Population: 1,618
Students of this affordable suburb attend Ford Heights School District 169 and Bloom Township High School District 206.ย
4. Robbinsย
- Average home value: $105,600
- Population: 4,804
Robbins offers resident excellent commuting options and above average public schools.ย
5. Steger
- Average home value: $121,900
- Population: 9,518
Stegerโs two main parks, Harold Hecht Park and Veteranโs Park, are well loved by residents.ย
6. East Side
- Average home value: $141,648
- Population: 23,894
Outdoor activity options are some of East Sideโs strongest offerings for families. This suburb has a park on Lake Michigan, Calumet Park, and a forest, Eggers Grove Forest Preserve.
7. Thornton
- Average home value: $130,400
- Population: 2,169
Plenty of shopping and restaurant options, including the historic Thornton Distilling Company, the oldest standing brewery in the state.ย
8. Forest View ย
- Average home value: $249,600
- Population: 1,078
Forest Viewโs park district includes volleyball courts, a tennis court and softball field. Families enjoy a walking track and updated playground equipment, too.ย
9. South Chicago Heightsย
- Average home value: $121,500
- Population: 3,986
This smaller suburb of Chicago packs a diverse set of local cultures between its borders. It scores a โB+โ from Niche in the outdoor activities, cost of living and commuting categories, too.ย
10. Burnsideย
- Average home value: $144,900
- Population: 2,246
Burnside has an urban suburban mix and most residents own their home.
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