Cheapest Places to Live in Illinois

Illinois, with its bustling cities, rich history, and diverse landscapes, offers a mix of urban and rural living experiences. Landmarks such as the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum highlight the state's cultural and historical significance. The state's economy is diverse and robust, driven by sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and finance. Illinois' tax structure includes relatively high income and property taxes, which can impact the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Illinois remains one of the more affordable states in the Midwest, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Illinois an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Illinois can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Illinois include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its cultural diversity and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Pana Population: 5,338 21% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $74,800 Med. Rent: $624 Med. Household Inc.: $47,701

With a cost of living index that is 21% cheaper than the state average, Pana is the cheapest place to live in Illinois. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Pana provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Vandalia Population: 6,615 21% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $81,900 Med. Rent: $622 Med. Household Inc.: $35,862

The second most affordable city in Illinois is Vandalia and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 21% cheaper than the Illinois average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

East St. Louis Population: 26,359 20% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $53,900 Med. Rent: $482 Med. Household Inc.: $24,009

East St. Louis lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Illinois, with a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Mattoon Population: 17,273 20% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $84,400 Med. Rent: $627 Med. Household Inc.: $40,576

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Mattoon offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Clinton Population: 6,982 20% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $81,600 Med. Rent: $693 Med. Household Inc.: $46,741

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Clinton is ideal, with a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Illinois average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Decatur Population: 71,857 20% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $85,500 Med. Rent: $688 Med. Household Inc.: $45,404

Decatur comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Illinois and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than Illinois. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Pinckneyville Population: 5,391 18% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $72,800 Med. Rent: $488 Med. Household Inc.: $29,942

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Pinckneyville is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Kewanee Population: 12,622 18% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $59,000 Med. Rent: $647 Med. Household Inc.: $40,196

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Kewanee fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 18% cheaper than Illinois.

Freeport Population: 23,930 17% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $67,500 Med. Rent: $669 Med. Household Inc.: $39,787

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Freeport is one of the most affordable cities in Illinois, and has a cost of living that is 17% cheaper than the state average.

Beardstown Population: 5,504 17% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $71,000 Med. Rent: $617 Med. Household Inc.: $43,425

With a cost of living that is 17% cheaper than Illinois, Beardstown comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Illinois. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Illinois

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Pana	5,338	76	$74,800	$47,701
2	Vandalia	6,615	76	$81,900	$35,862
3	East St. Louis	26,359	77	$53,900	$24,009
4	Mattoon	17,273	77	$84,400	$40,576
5	Clinton	6,982	77	$81,600	$46,741
6	Decatur	71,857	77	$85,500	$45,404
7	Pinckneyville	5,391	79	$72,800	$29,942
8	Kewanee	12,622	79	$59,000	$40,196
9	Freeport	23,930	80	$67,500	$39,787
10	Beardstown	5,504	80	$71,000	$43,425
11	Murphysboro	7,727	80	$69,900	$37,929
12	Du Quoin	5,723	80	$72,600	$41,756
13	Rock Falls	8,914	80	$71,600	$44,264
14	Cahokia	14,035	80	$49,400	$30,299
15	Centralia	12,354	80	$75,600	$39,117
16	Salem	6,988	81	$78,900	$48,022
17	Litchfield	6,626	81	$87,400	$45,772
18	Hoopeston	5,178	81	$57,600	$36,484
19	Creve Coeur	5,074	81	$76,800	$46,250
20	East Alton	6,021	82	$79,700	$52,773
21	Mount Vernon	14,769	82	$79,000	$42,194
22	Greenville	6,725	82	$97,700	$40,625
23	Granite City	28,563	82	$83,100	$53,545
24	Dixon	15,544	82	$93,500	$46,479
25	Danville	30,969	82	$67,200	$37,328
26	Sterling	14,774	82	$89,900	$46,491
27	Taylorville	10,766	82	$90,100	$41,397
28	Hillsboro	6,177	82	$89,400	$61,293
29	Alton	26,490	83	$80,400	$43,291
30	Chester	8,264	83	$96,800	$51,830
31	Effingham	12,310	83	$136,300	$52,551
32	West Frankfort	7,597	83	$64,100	$30,938
33	Lincoln	13,742	83	$93,900	$48,510
34	Wood River	10,149	83	$86,400	$50,047
35	Canton	13,600	83	$100,300	$46,362
36	Peoria Heights	5,825	84	$86,000	$45,921
37	Spring Valley	5,172	84	$102,100	$50,549
38	Rockford	147,441	84	$95,200	$44,771
39	Monmouth	8,837	84	$79,200	$50,740
40	Mount Zion	5,707	84	$142,300	$79,154
41	Galesburg	30,405	84	$76,400	$37,322
42	Jacksonville	18,784	84	$106,400	$46,500
43	Kankakee	25,818	84	$87,000	$38,763
44	Park City	7,636	84	$23,200	$50,860
45	Jerseyville	7,860	84	$109,300	$57,967
46	Harrisburg	8,578	84	$72,900	$34,335
47	Mendota	6,927	84	$107,200	$58,974
48	Pekin	32,796	85	$104,000	$50,552
49	Belleville	41,256	85	$97,500	$52,843
50	Olney	8,872	85	$82,100	$49,650

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Illinois, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.