Housing Costs in Wheaton, IL
Housing is typically the largest expense in a household budget. In Wheaton, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,850 per month as of 2025. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,400 to $3,000 monthly, depending on the specific neighborhood and home condition.
It’s important to note that many Wheaton neighborhoods have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While membership is sometimes optional, most HOAs charge monthly or annual fees ranging from $200 to $500 per month. These fees often cover community amenities, landscaping, and exterior maintenance.
- Median 2BR Apartment Rent: $1,850/month
- Typical 3BR House Mortgage: $2,400 – $3,000/month
- Common HOA Fees: $200 – $500/month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Wheaton are generally on par with the national average. For a 1,000 square foot apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, $60 for natural gas, $50 for water, and $30 for trash collection. Larger homes will see proportionally higher bills.
Wheaton experiences cold winters and hot summers, leading to higher heating and cooling costs during those months. Budget an extra $50 to $100 per month for winter gas bills and summer electricity to account for the seasonal spikes.
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 |
| Natural Gas | $60 |
| Water | $50 |
| Trash | $30 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Wheaton residents spend an average of $350 to $500 per person each month on groceries and household items. This assumes a mix of dining at home and occasional meals out. For a family of four, a typical monthly food budget ranges from $1,400 to $2,000.
To put this in perspective, a gallon of milk costs about $3.50, a loaf of bread is $2.80, and a dozen eggs average $2.20 in Wheaton grocery stores as of 2025. Dining out for a family of four at a mid-range restaurant averages $80 to $120 including tax and tip.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Wheaton’s property tax rate stands at 2.31% in 2025, which is higher than the national average but typical for desirable Chicago suburbs. For a home valued at $400,000, annual property taxes would be approximately $9,240 or $770 per month.
The sales tax rate in Wheaton is 8.00%, consisting of 6.25% Illinois state tax and 1.75% Wheaton tax. Vehicle stickers are required annually at a cost of $50 per vehicle. Metered parking in downtown Wheaton ranges from $0.25 to $1.00 per hour.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,850 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $200 | $260 | $340 |
| Groceries & Dining | $500 | $800 | $1,600 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $500 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Taxes & Fees | $400 | $600 | $900 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $3,000 | $4,410 | $7,240 |
Based on these figures, a comfortable lifestyle in Wheaton may require a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $4,200 for a single person, $6,600 for a couple, and $10,800 for a family of four as of 2025. Keep in mind, these are general estimates and actual budgets can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, housing choices, and income levels.
Lifestyle Considerations
Wheaton offers a high quality of life for those who can afford it. The city boasts excellent schools, low crime rates, ample parks and recreation, and convenient access to Chicago via the Metra rail line. The typical commute time is 25 to 35 minutes.
Housing options range from modest postwar ranches and split-levels to spacious new construction homes. Lot and home sizes tend to be larger than in Chicago proper but smaller than further-out suburbs. Most neighborhoods are walkable and offer a good balance of privacy and community.
While the cost of living in Wheaton is higher than the national average, many residents feel the premium is justified by the city’s safety, natural beauty, strong school system, and convenient location. However, budget-conscious families may find better value in nearby suburbs like Glendale Heights or Lombard.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Wheaton?
To live comfortably, a household of two adults may need a combined gross monthly income around $6,600, or $79,200 annually, while a family of four should aim for at least $10,800 per month, or $129,600 per year. -
Is Wheaton more expensive than Chicago?
Wheaton’s housing costs are slightly lower than Chicago on average, but the suburb has higher property taxes. Overall, Wheaton is around 10-15% less expensive than living in central Chicago. -
Are utilities expensive in Wheaton?
Wheaton’s utility costs are close to the national average. The typical household spends $200 to $400 per month on electricity, gas, water and trash collection. -
How much is the average rent in Wheaton?
As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Wheaton is $1,850 per month. Larger houses or luxury units can rent for $2,500 or more. -
What is the property tax rate in Wheaton?
The property tax rate in Wheaton stands at 2.31% in 2025. For a $400,000 home, that equates to $9,240 annually or $770 per month. -
How much do you need to earn to buy a house in Wheaton?
To comfortably afford a typical $400,000 home in Wheaton, a household may need a gross income of $8,500 or more per month, which equates to around $102,000 per year.