Cost of Living in Freeport, IL

An Overview of Cost of Living in Freeport, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Freeport is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Freeport is 80, which is 20% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Based on the most recent cost of living report, Freeport is one of the most affordable places to live in the country. Only a small number of cities have a cost of living index that is at least 20% lower than the national average, and Freeport is one of those cities. This signifies that this area is very affordable when compared to other cities.

Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, Freeport stands out by reporting housing costs that are 53.3% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Freeport can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.

Everyday basics like clothes, personal care items and entertainment factor into your overall living costs. But here's the good news: in Freeport, these things are 11.1% more affordable than the national average. So, you can get what you need and have fun without emptying your wallet. With these savings, you can stash more money in your savings or put it towards other financial goals, ultimately improving your financial health.

Is Freeport Affordable?

Is Freeport an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Freeport, the median home price is 63.5% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 29.5% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Freeport come in at $39,787, which is 28.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Freeport?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Freeport, the utilities index stands at 13.5% lower than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Freeport, the housing index stands at 53.3% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Freeport cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.