Oak Park, IL vs. Evanston, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Chicago suburbs of Oak Park or Evanston? This cost of living comparison breaks down housing, utilities, groceries and other key expenses in each city to help you determine which fits your budget and lifestyle in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Oak Park and Evanston stack up for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Oak Park | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $475,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Oak Park. Housing costs an estimated 12-14% less in Oak Park compared to Evanston.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two suburbs. Expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas in a 2BR apartment. Larger homes will see higher bills, especially in winter months. Both cities offer energy-saving programs and off-peak rates to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Oak Park and Evanston.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Oak Park compared to Evanston, based on a standard basket of goods. Eating out is also slightly cheaper – a meal for two at a mid-range Oak Park restaurant averages $65, versus $75 in Evanston.
🏆 Winner: Oak Park has a slight edge for food and daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Oak Park and Evanston have relatively high property taxes compared to the national average. Effective rates are around 2.2% in Oak Park and 2.4% in Evanston. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $1200/year.
🏆 Winner: Oak Park. While taxes are high in both cities, Evanston’s are about 10% higher.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Oak Park | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $2,600 | $3,000 |
| Utilities | $280 | $280 |
| Groceries | $500 | $525 |
| Transportation | $130 | $110 |
| Taxes (2.2% vs 2.4%) | $875 | $975 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,785 | $5,340 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Oak Park is more affordable, Evanston offers tradeoffs that may be worth the extra cost for some. Evanston has more urban amenities, Lake Michigan beaches, and proximity to Northwestern University. Oak Park has more space, residential charm, and an easier commute to downtown Chicago.
Evanston is about 5°F cooler than Oak Park in summer due to the lake effect. Both get cold, snowy winters.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Oak Park more affordable than Evanston?
A: Yes, Oak Park has lower housing, food, and tax costs than Evanston. For a typical family, Oak Park is about 10-15% cheaper overall.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Oak Park rent is about 12% lower than Evanston. The median 2BR apartment rents for $1,850 in Oak Park vs $2,100 in Evanston.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Oak Park home prices are about 14% less than Evanston. The median 3BR house costs $475,000 in Oak Park compared to $550,000 in Evanston.
8. Conclusion
While both are attractive Chicago suburbs, Oak Park offers meaningfully lower living costs than Evanston in most categories. Housing and taxes are the biggest differences – a typical household can expect to save over $500/month on those two expenses alone in Oak Park.
Budget-conscious families, those looking to save on monthly expenses, and commuters to Chicago may prefer Oak Park. Those prioritizing lakefront recreation, university culture, or urban amenities may find Evanston worth the premium. Whichever you choose, understanding the full cost of living is key to a sustainable budget in these desirable Chicago suburbs.