Oak Lawn is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,650 and slightly lower utility costs compared to the national average.
Is the true cost of living in Oak Lawn higher than you think? As a housing, taxes, and groceries expert, I’m here to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the monthly expenses you can expect when living in this Chicago suburb in 2025.
Housing Costs in Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Typical housing options include:
- 2-bedroom apartments: $1,500 – $1,800/month
- 3-bedroom houses: $1,900 – $2,400/month to rent, $280,000 – $350,000 to purchase
- Townhouses: $1,700 – $2,100/month to rent, $250,000 – $320,000 to purchase
Prices can vary depending on the neighborhood and property age. Newer developments in the north part of Oak Lawn tend to have higher costs, while older homes in the central and southern areas are more affordable. HOA fees are common for townhouses and some single-family neighborhoods, typically ranging from $200 – $400/month.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utility costs in Oak Lawn are slightly lower than the national average. Here’s a monthly estimate for a 1,000 sq ft apartment:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $80 – $120 |
| Gas | $40 – $60 |
| Water/Sewer | $30 – $50 |
| Trash | $20 – $30 |
| Internet | $50 – $80 |
Expect cooling costs to be higher in the summer months. For a larger house, budget around $300 – $400/month for all utilities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices in Oak Lawn are on par with the Chicago metro average. A single person can expect to spend around $300 – $400/month on groceries, while a family of four may spend $900 – $1,200/month. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional dining out.
To give you an idea, here are some typical prices:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.50
- Dozen eggs: $2.00
- Pound of chicken breast: $4.00
Budget an extra $200 – $300/month per person for dining out and entertainment.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Oak Lawn has a property tax rate of 2.1% – 2.4%, which is slightly higher than the national average but lower than many other Chicago suburbs. For a $300,000 home, expect to pay $6,300 – $7,200 annually in property taxes.
Sales tax in Oak Lawn is 10%, a combination of Illinois’ 6.25% rate and Cook County’s 3.75% rate. Vehicle stickers are required, costing $50 – $100 per year depending on the type of vehicle.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Household | Estimated Monthly Budget (Gross) |
|---|---|
| Single person | $3,000 – $3,500 |
| Couple | $4,500 – $5,000 |
| Family of four | $6,500 – $7,500 |
These figures include housing, utilities, groceries, dining out, transportation, and some discretionary spending. They do not include savings, debt payments, or large expenses like childcare or healthcare. All budget figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Considerations
Oak Lawn offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to Chicago. Commute times to downtown Chicago average 30-40 minutes by car or 45-60 minutes by public transit. The Metra commuter rail has two stations in Oak Lawn.
Compared to living in Chicago proper, Oak Lawn residents trade off some convenience and amenities for more affordable housing, larger homes, and a quieter environment. The village has ample parks and recreation facilities, but fewer walkable areas and nightlife options.
Within Oak Lawn, the main lifestyle tradeoff is between newer homes in the north vs. older, more affordable homes in the central and southern areas. Newer properties come at a premium but may have lower maintenance costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Oak Lawn?
A gross income of at least $4,500/month ($54,000/year) for a single person or $6,500/month ($78,000/year) for a family of four is recommended to live comfortably in Oak Lawn. - Is Oak Lawn cheaper than living in Chicago?
Yes, housing costs in Oak Lawn are typically 20-30% lower than in Chicago. However, transportation costs may be higher for those commuting to the city. - Are property taxes high in Oak Lawn?
Property taxes in Oak Lawn are slightly above the national average, but lower than many other Chicago suburbs. Expect to pay 2.1% – 2.4% of your home’s value annually. - How much should I budget for utilities in Oak Lawn?
For a 1,000 sq ft apartment, budget $220 – $340/month for basic utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet. Larger homes may cost $300 – $400/month. - What’s the sales tax rate in Oak Lawn?
The total sales tax rate in Oak Lawn is 10%, which includes Illinois’ 6.25% rate and Cook County’s 3.75% rate. - How much does it cost to [compare moving company costs and options](https://indexyard.com/best-moving-companies-guide/) to Oak Lawn?
Moving costs depend on the distance and amount of belongings. For a local move within the Chicago area, expect to pay $1,000 – $2,000 for a 2-3 bedroom home. Long-distance moves can cost $4,000 – $8,000 or more.