If you're looking to retire, one place you could look to is the Land of Lincoln. One might imagine Chicago when one thinks of Illinois. However, outside of Chicago, Illinois is an excellent place if you're looking to retire to a world of lush farmland and balanced weather. There are many gorgeous state parks in Illinois and many quiet places for you to enjoy your retirement years. While it's infamous for having higher taxes, the state has an overall lower cost of living, which can counteract that tax bill you might be fearing.
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The cost of living in Illinois is slightly less than the national average, about 5.5% less. Illinois is quite affordable outside of Chicago and can be a great place to retire. In almost all areas, Illinois has a lower cost of living. However, one area where Illinois is more expensive is transportation. Suppose you don't need to go anywhere. In that case, however, the state is quite affordable, especially in the housing department, where it's nearly 15 points below the national average and almost $100K cheaper than the rest of the country. So check out Illinois and see if it fits within your budget.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
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Hand-picked from our directory
Calumet City, IL
4.4 · 61 reviews
Arlington Heights, IL
4.4 · 46 reviews
Lisle, IL
4.3 · 40 reviews
Des Plaines, IL
4.5 · 37 reviews
Romeoville, IL
4.4 · 36 reviews
Chicago, IL
4.3 · 36 reviews
Caregivers who come to you
Berkeley, IL
4.7 · 184 reviews
Bloomington, IL
4.7 · 169 reviews
Rockford, IL
4.8 · 127 reviews
Wheaton, IL
4.6 · 125 reviews
Elgin, IL
4.7 · 123 reviews
Naperville, IL
4.6 · 107 reviews
55+ housing without daily care
Local pricing
Median monthly cost of assisted living, sourced from public data. Actual community pricing varies by apartment size, level of care, and amenities.
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