Illinois

How Far the Average Social Security Check Goes in the Largest Illinois Cities

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2024

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How Far the Average Social Security Check Goes in the Largest Illinois Cities

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Illinois is considered a worthy state for a few key reasons, including its bustling economy, overall solid livability scores and relative affordability, as compared with other states. But not all cities are created equal; in which does the average Social Security check stretch the furthest? The answer depends on whether you rent or own.

In a new study, GOBankingRates analyzed the largest cities in Illinois to find how far the average Social Security benefits goes. The cities are ranked to show the least expensive to most expensive cost of living for renters and homeowners.

How Far the Average Social Security Check Goes for Homeowners in 10 Illinois Cities

10. Schaumburg

Average single-family home value: $386,380
Number of households receiving Social Security: 26,733
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $26,114
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,117
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $25,404

9. Palatine

Average single-family home value: $402,195
Number of households receiving Social Security: 22,196
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $25,733
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,259
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $27,104

8. Skokie

Average single-family home value: $412,029
Number of households receiving Social Security: 20,490
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $25,776
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,316
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $27,796

7. Orland Park

Average single-family home value: $414,254
Number of households receiving Social Security: 20,521
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $26,368
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,351
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $28,210

6. Mount Prospect

Average single-family home value: $429,714
Number of households receiving Social Security: 18,564
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $24,251
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,403
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $28,833

5. Arlington Heights

Average single-family home value: $487,433
Number of households receiving Social Security: 26,043
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $27,125
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,722
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $32,668

4. Wheaton

Average single-family home value: $491,201
Number of households receiving Social Security: 16,450
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $26,648
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,765
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $33,181

3. Oak Park

Average single-family home value: $498,614
Number of households receiving Social Security: 19,797
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $28,243
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $2,828
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $33,932

2. Evanston

Average single-family home value: $558,590
Number of households receiving Social Security: 24,936
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $27,864
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $3,123
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $37,481

1. Naperville

Average single-family home value: $597,091
Number of households receiving Social Security: 45,151
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $29,855
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $3,377
Total annual cost of living for homeowners after Social Security benefits: $40,526

How Far the Average Social Security Check Goes for Renters in 10 Illinois Cities

10. Tinley Park

Average monthly rent: $2,042
Number of households receiving Social Security: 19,751
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $25,255
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,127
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $25,524

9. Aurora

Average monthly rent: $2,172
Number of households receiving Social Security: 52,205
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $24,915
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,130
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $25,560

8. Wheaton

Average monthly rent: $2,099
Number of households receiving Social Security: 16,450
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $26,648
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,191
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $26,288

7. Chicago

Average monthly rent: $2,122
Number of households receiving Social Security: 912,966
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $20,383
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,220
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $26,640

6. Des Plaines

Average monthly rent: $2,161
Number of households receiving Social Security: 19,660
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $24,252
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,222
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $26,660

5. Naperville

Average monthly rent: $2,154
Number of households receiving Social Security: 45,151
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $29,855
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,281
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $27,377

4. Evanston

Average monthly rent: $2,201
Number of households receiving Social Security: 24,936
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $27,864
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,285
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $27,418

3. Skokie

Average monthly rent: $2,288
Number of households receiving Social Security: 20,490
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $25,776
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,362
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $28,346

2. Bolingbrook

Average monthly rent: $2,454
Number of households receiving Social Security: 20,429
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $26,016
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,454
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $29,451

1. Orland Park

Average monthly rent: $2,463
Number of households receiving Social Security: 20,521
Average annual Social Security benefits among households receiving them: $26,368
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $2,560
Total annual cost of living for renters after Social Security benefits: $30,715

Methodology. For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed the largest cities in Illinois to find how far the average Social Security benefits goes. First GOBankingRates found cities in Illinois along with the basic information for each city including; total population, population ages 65 and over, total households, and household median income all sourced from the US Census American Community Survey. In order to qualify for this study, each city had to have a population of at least 50,000 and have all data points available. Using this data the percentage of the population ages 65 and over can be calculated. The cost of living indexes were sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces and include the grocery, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous cost of living indexes. Using the cost of living indexes for grocery, healthcare, utilities, transportation, miscellaneous as well as the national average expenditure costs for retired residents, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure cost for each location can be calculated. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes for each location and included as supplemental information. The average single family home value was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index for October 2024. Using the average single family home value, assuming a 10% down payment, and using the most recent national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage can be calculated. Using the average mortgage and average expenditure costs, the average total monthly and annual cost of living can be calculated. The average rental cost can be sourced from Zillow Observed Rental Index for each city and using the expenditure costs the total cost of living for each city can be calculated. The percentage of households who receive Social Security benefits, the number of households who receive Social Security benefits, and the average number of Social Security income was all sourced from the US Census American Community Survey. The cities were sorted to show the most expensive to least expensive cost of living for renters and homeowners. All data was collected on and is up to date as of November 20th, 2024.

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Illinois

Illinois Lt. Gov. candidates focus on affordability in pitch to Rockford voters

Published

10 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Press Room

Illinois Lt. Gov. candidates focus on affordability in pitch to Rockford voters

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – November ballots will feature a repeat of top billing in the race for governor. Illinoisans can once again choose between Governor JB Pritzker or Darren Bailey to lead the Land of Lincoln.

But beside their spots, new names will appear for voters.

The Democratic and Republican candidates for governor picked new running mates for their rematch. With Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton running for U.S. Senate, Pritzker picked Christian Mitchell to join his ticket. On the Republican side, Aaron Del Mar joins Bailey, who previously ran with Stephanie Trussell in 2022.

Mitchell and Del Mar spoke Thursday with WIFR on what inspires them to run, their campaign priorities and ideas to improve the Rockford region.

Backgrounds

Starting with the Democratic ticket, Mitchell joins the race as a former state representative from Chicago as well as a deputy governor with the Pritzker administration.

“Before anything else, I’m Debbie’s son, and I’m James’s grandson,” Mitchell introduced. “They’re the ones who really instilled in me the value of hard work and made sure that I was going to have a very bright future.”

Mitchell sees the role of lieutenant governor as a partner to the state’s executive.

“I’m really lucky to be running with somebody who I respect, and who I think is the best governor in the nation… Governor JB Pritzker,” he said.. “My first thing is going to be supporting his agenda, which right now is all about lowering costs and raising wages.”

On the Republican side, Del Mar hails from suburban Chicago and considers his first priority to be raising his family.

“I wanted nothing to do with politics, did not want to be involved — wanted just to raise my kids and work my job,“ said Del Mar. He described his start in public service as something he ”kind of got pulled into.”

The Republican worked his way from a city council member in Palatine, at 29-years-old, to co-chair of the Illinois GOP. Although he says he “wanted nothing to do with being on” Bailey’s campaign, Del Mar sees strength in unity — offering a Chicago area perspective alongside Bailey’s southern Illinois roots.

“How about everybody in the state of Illinois, regardless of where you come from, has a seat at the table. If you’re from a southeast farming community, or you’re from the city of Chicago, where I grew up, everybody has a stake in the game.”

Priorities

Mitchell points to economic development as his focus for the gubernatorial campaign.

“I see vacancies on State Street in Chicago. I see vacancies on Main Street in Belleville and Alton and in Carbondale,” he recounted. “I want to make sure that we’ve got the kind of amenities and economic development, that kind of affordability, that allow us to make sure that folks want to stay in the towns that they’re born in if they want to.”

The Democratic candidate also eyes long-term planning for the state, including an “Illinois 2050 Plan.”

“How do we have the kind of educational undergirding that means that no matter where you’re from, you have a chance to have one of those jobs, whether it’s in new agriculture technology and new farming techniques or biotech, quantum.”

When asked how to achieve these priorities, Mitchell turned to investing in public education, retaining residents with better wages and improving health care.

“Making sure that we are able to protect our health care system, so that folks aren’t going broke when they get sick, that’s another big way that we can make an impact.”

Del Mar outlined a cost-of-living focus as central to his campaign.

“You wanna succeed, you do the basics really well, and the basics are affordability,” he contended.

The Republican repeatedly highlighted the state’s property taxes — reportedly the highest in the nation — as an issue to tackle. He suggested redirecting Illinois’s budget as one measure to ease the burden on homeowners.

“Number one is fully funding the state’s portion of local taxes, because that will offer people property tax relief.” Del Mar clarified this wouldn’t mean redirecting funds for public education.

“We’re looking at how we fund schools, how we make sure to empower teachers to have the best educational outcomes that we can have here in Illinois, regardless of what your zip code is, regardless of what your parents do for a living or how much money they make,” added Del Mar.

Reflecting on Rockford

Each candidate provided their vision for boosting the Rockford region.

For Mitchell, improvements continue with infrastructure funding, building on the state’s roughly $500 million investment in the area.

“The things that we have already worked on, through the capital plan that I helped lead as deputy governor, that the governor signed and is implementing, are already having benefits that the people of Rockford can see.”

The Democrat also pointed to the Chicago Rockford International Airport as an opportunity.

“Investing in that regional airport where we’ve already helped with a matching grant to get additional funds, that helps build out the economy,” said Mitchell. “There’s so much that’s happening there that it is really good for the economy and bringing more people back to Rockford.”

Del Mar shared his local priority as supporting unionization in the area.

“Union families deserve to be able to have a livable wage, and that’s something that’s important to Darren and I,” said Del Mar. He mentioned pensions were another item that a Republican executive wouldn’t touch for the public and private sector unions.

“I know that area up there has strong union backbone,” described Del Mar. “We want to make sure they know that they’re not going to have a bigger supporter in the governor’s mansion than Darren and I.”

Election Day

When asked for thoughts on their opponent, Mitchell criticized the Bailey campaign as a “repacking” of his 2022 run.

“The only record that they have to run on is extremism,” he exclaimed.

The Republican candidate also reflected on records, pointing to Pritzker’s years in office.

“Why are we underfunding education? Why are property taxes at all-time high? Why are businesses leaving?” asked Del Mar.

Voters can decide on who will lead Illinois November 3. Early voting starts September 24, with applications for voting by mail opening August 5.

Extended Interviews

Copyright 2026 WIFR. All rights reserved.

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Illinois

Illinois man charged after Rochester sting catches phone scammer with $50K in cash

Published

20 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

Illinois man charged after Rochester sting catches phone scammer with K in cash

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – A man from Illinois is facing felony charges after police say he took part in a scheme that convinced a Rochester resident to hand over thousands of dollars in cash and nearly fell for a gold bar handoff.

Rochester phone scam

What we know:

According to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County District Court, police say the victim was contacted by phone and told he was under investigation for a crime. The caller convinced him to deliver $30,000 in cash to a man he met in person on June 17, 2026.

The victim was then pressured to arrange a second delivery — this time, 10 one-ounce gold bars — on June 23, 2026. Detectives worked with the victim to set up a controlled delivery using fake gold bars and a GPS tracker.

Charges state that the plan was for the victim to meet whoever arrived to pick up the package, while officers watched nearby. Surveillance officers saw a white SUV with Illinois plates circling the parking lot at 2711 Commerce Drive NW in Rochester.

The complaint states a man, later identified as Kiranbhai Kanubhai Vasava, got out, met the victim, gave the password and took the package. Officers followed the car as it left the scene. Detectives stop suspects and recover cash

Why you should care:

Police stopped the SUV near Eyota and searched it, finding $50,000 in cash, several cell phones, bank checks with Vasava’s name, and packaging materials similar to those used for the fake gold bars. The package with the GPS tracker and fake gold was missing, but officers later found the GPS device torn apart on the side of the highway.

The second man in the car, Hemendrasinh Pravinsinh Dabhi, told police he got a call from India about a package but claimed he knew nothing about it, saying, “he just drives.” Vasava also denied knowing what was happening.

Kiranbhai Vasava linked to Wisconsin case

The backstory:

The complaint states detectives linked Vasava to another similar case in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where a bank customer was convinced to hand over $50,000 in cash to a driver in a white Honda SUV. Video from that incident showed Vasava receiving the package.

Police say this type of swindle involves convincing victims they are under investigation and must pay money or hand over valuables to clear their name. Detectives say the investigation involved coordination between local police and law enforcement in Wisconsin.

The Source: Criminal charges filed in Olmsted County Court.

Crime and Public SafetyRochesterOlmsted County

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