Living comfortably in Evanston, IL requires a gross monthly income of around $5,400 for a couple or $7,200 for a family of four, based on 2025 cost of living data. Housing, utilities, groceries, and taxes make up the bulk of essential monthly expenses in this popular Chicago suburb.
Housing Costs in Evanston
Housing is the biggest expense for most Evanston residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Evanston is approximately $2,100 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical 3-bedroom house has a median price of $550,000, translating to a monthly mortgage payment of around $2,900 (assuming a 30-year fixed mortgage with 20% down).
Here’s a comparison of common housing options in Evanston:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,400 – $1,700 |
| 1BR Apartment | $1,700 – $2,000 |
| 2BR Apartment | $1,900 – $2,400 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,600 – $3,200 |
| 4BR House (Mortgage) | $3,000 – $3,800 |
Some Evanston properties, especially condos and townhomes, require an additional Homeowners Association (HOA) fee, typically ranging from $200 to $500 per month. While not universal, it’s an important cost to factor in when budgeting for housing.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Evanston are slightly higher than the national average. For a 1,000 square foot apartment, residents can expect to pay around $150 per month for electricity, $60 for natural gas, $50 for water, and $30 for trash collection. High-speed internet adds another $60-$80 to the monthly utility bill.
Evanston experiences cold winters and warm summers, leading to seasonally higher heating and cooling costs. In the peak of summer, electric bills can spike by 20-30% due to air conditioning use. Likewise, natural gas bills tend to be highest in December through February.
Here’s a rough estimate of typical monthly utility costs for different household sizes:
- Studio/1BR: $200 – $250
- 2BR: $250 – $300
- 3BR: $300 – $400
- 4BR+: $350 – $500
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices in Evanston are about 10% higher than the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $350-$450 per month on groceries, while a couple’s monthly food bill averages $700-$900. For a family of four, a typical monthly grocery budget is $1,100-$1,400.
Dining out adds to the cost of living in Evanston. A meal at a mid-range restaurant averages $18-$25 per person, while a quick fast food meal is around $8-$12. Household items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods cost $50-$80 per month for a single person and $100-$150 for a family.
Taxes and Fees
Evanston’s property tax rate is 2.89%, significantly higher than the national average of 1.07%. For a home valued at $550,000, annual property taxes would be approximately $15,900 or $1,325 per month.
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Evanston is 10%, consisting of Illinois’ 6.25% state sales tax, Cook County’s 1.75% tax, and an additional 2% Home Rule tax. Other common taxes and fees include:
- Vehicle stickers: $75-$90 annually per vehicle
- Water and sewer fees: $50-$100 per month
- Pet registration: $10 annually per cat or dog
Monthly Budget Summary
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,600 | $2,100 | $2,900 |
| Utilities | $225 | $275 | $375 |
| Groceries & Dining | $500 | $900 | $1,400 |
| Transportation | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Misc. Expenses & Savings | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total Monthly Budget (Gross) | $3,275 | $4,925 | $7,275 |
Note that these figures represent gross monthly income (pre-tax). Actual take-home pay will be lower after accounting for federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare withholding.
Lifestyle Considerations
Evanston offers a high quality of life, with easy access to Chicago via the CTA Purple Line, beautiful parks and beaches along Lake Michigan, and a vibrant downtown area. The average commute time is 28 minutes, slightly lower than the national average of 30 minutes.
Housing in Evanston tends to be older, with many homes built in the early-to-mid 20th century. While this adds character and charm, it also means higher maintenance costs and less energy efficiency compared to newer construction. Homes closer to downtown Evanston and the lake command higher prices but offer convenience and walkability.
For those looking to balance affordability and space, west Evanston tends to have lower housing costs and larger lot sizes. However, this comes with a longer commute to downtown Chicago and fewer amenities within walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Evanston?
To live comfortably in Evanston, aim for a gross monthly income of at least $3,300 for a single person, $5,000 for a couple, or $7,300 for a family of four.
Is Evanston cheaper than Chicago?
Evanston is generally less expensive than living in downtown Chicago, but pricier than some other suburbs. Housing costs are about 20% lower than in Chicago proper.
What is the median home price in Evanston?
As of 2025, the median home price in Evanston is around $550,000, up from $480,000 in 2021.
How much are property taxes in Evanston?
Evanston’s property tax rate is 2.89%, meaning a $550,000 home would owe approximately $15,900 in annual property taxes.
What is the cost of living in Evanston compared to other Chicago suburbs?
Evanston’s cost of living is higher than suburbs like Skokie, Niles, and Des Plaines, but lower than Wilmette, Glenview, and Northbrook. Housing and property taxes account for most of the difference.
Is public transit convenient in Evanston?
Yes, Evanston has three CTA Purple Line stations providing easy access to Chicago, as well as several Metra stops. Many neighborhoods are also walkable or bikeable.
What are some budget-friendly neighborhoods in Evanston?
West Evanston and parts of South Evanston tend to have lower housing costs. Look for homes west of Ridge Ave and south of Dempster St for the best value.