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Cost of Living in Carol Stream

Carol Stream, Illinois, United States · Population 39,460

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in Carol Stream

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Carol Stream is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Carol Stream

Carol Stream vs New YorkCarol Stream vs Los AngelesCarol Stream vs ChicagoCarol Stream vs MiamiCarol Stream vs HoustonCarol Stream vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Glendale Heights

4 km away · Illinois

Winfield

5 km away · Illinois

Bloomingdale

5 km away · Illinois

Wheaton

7 km away · Illinois

Hanover Park

7 km away · Illinois

Roselle

8 km away · Illinois

Glen Ellyn

8 km away · Illinois

West Chicago

8 km away · Illinois

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Carol Stream

Carol Stream is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Carol Stream is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carol Stream expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in Carol Stream including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Carol Stream?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Carol Stream with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Carol Stream is $3,510.
How much is rent in Carol Stream?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is Carol Stream cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Carol Stream is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Carol Stream?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in Carol Stream. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Carol Stream compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Carol Stream is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Carol Stream are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 39,460). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.