Cheapest Places to Live in Illinois

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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.

East St. Louis Population: 27,033 22% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $96,566 Med. Rent: $724 Med. Household Inc.: $36,067

With a cost of living index that is 22% cheaper than the state average, East St. Louis 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, East St. Louis provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Centreville Population: 5,098 21% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $85,782 Med. Rent: $927 Med. Household Inc.: $33,370

The second most affordable city in Illinois is Centreville 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.

Pinckneyville Population: 5,559 20% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $134,155 Med. Rent: $726 Med. Household Inc.: $45,390

Pinckneyville 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.

Pana Population: 5,521 19% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $131,416 Med. Rent: $953 Med. Household Inc.: $71,180

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. Pana offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 19% 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 .

Kewanee Population: 12,961 19% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $105,627 Med. Rent: $967 Med. Household Inc.: $60,596

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Kewanee is ideal, with a cost of living that is 19% 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.

Murphysboro Population: 7,983 19% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $122,792 Med. Rent: $956 Med. Household Inc.: $55,512

Murphysboro 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 19% 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.

Du Quoin Population: 5,883 19% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $128,612 Med. Rent: $910 Med. Household Inc.: $63,173

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Du Quoin 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.

Cahokia Population: 14,366 19% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $86,828 Med. Rent: $1,367 Med. Household Inc.: $44,891

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. Cahokia fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than Illinois.

Centralia Population: 12,756 18% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $134,932 Med. Rent: $910 Med. Household Inc.: $59,354

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. Centralia is one of the most affordable cities in Illinois, and has a cost of living that is 18% cheaper than the state average.

Vandalia Population: 6,854 18% cheaper than Illinois average

Med. Home Value: $144,383 Med. Rent: $943 Med. Household Inc.: $54,346

With a cost of living that is 18% cheaper than Illinois, Vandalia 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	East St. Louis	27,033	76	$96,566	$36,067
2	Centreville	5,098	77	$85,782	$33,370
3	Pinckneyville	5,559	79	$134,155	$45,390
4	Pana	5,521	79	$131,416	$71,180
5	Kewanee	12,961	79	$105,627	$60,596
6	Murphysboro	7,983	79	$122,792	$55,512
7	Du Quoin	5,883	80	$128,612	$63,173
8	Cahokia	14,366	80	$86,828	$44,891
9	Centralia	12,756	80	$134,932	$59,354
10	Vandalia	6,854	80	$144,383	$54,346
11	Mattoon	17,637	80	$148,749	$61,396
12	Salem	7,259	81	$138,597	$71,535
13	Monmouth	9,066	81	$138,653	$76,211
14	Clinton	7,241	81	$146,001	$70,943
15	Decatur	74,163	81	$152,582	$68,944
16	Galesburg	31,538	81	$139,200	$56,673
17	East Alton	6,165	82	$145,565	$79,790
18	Mount Vernon	15,250	82	$142,537	$63,109
19	Granite City	29,235	82	$150,013	$79,625
20	Greenville	6,924	82	$178,706	$60,670
21	Watseka	5,075	82	$142,994	$57,400
22	Alton	27,407	82	$141,314	$64,609
23	Beardstown	5,645	82	$125,795	$65,418
24	Chester	8,448	82	$170,524	$75,941
25	Freeport	24,837	83	$124,618	$60,434
26	Rock Falls	9,152	83	$127,515	$67,073
27	Wood River	10,358	83	$152,906	$75,638
28	Hoopeston	5,383	83	$103,096	$54,949
29	Jerseyville	8,030	84	$194,156	$87,544
30	West Frankfort	7,790	84	$113,869	$45,786
31	Litchfield	6,849	84	$161,632	$68,201
32	Macomb	18,071	84	$173,937	$51,716
33	Belleville	42,499	85	$177,280	$80,172
34	Fairfield	5,038	85	$140,293	$64,097
35	Danville	31,689	85	$121,810	$55,571
36	Kankakee	26,461	85	$158,319	$57,821
37	Dixon	16,145	85	$166,985	$69,620
38	Hillsboro	6,368	85	$161,210	$91,466
39	Taylorville	11,059	85	$163,394	$62,703
40	Robinson	7,675	85	$146,009	$68,549
41	Rock Island	38,640	85	$189,842	$70,469
42	Sterling	15,351	85	$163,230	$70,567
43	Harrisburg	8,793	86	$133,627	$51,113
44	Paris	8,806	86	$137,469	$62,876
45	Carmi	5,016	86	$129,821	$65,761
46	Park City	7,894	86	$40,687	$77,017
47	Creve Coeur	5,261	86	$135,223	$69,147
48	Olney	9,196	86	$146,451	$73,488
49	Lincoln	14,250	86	$168,109	$71,941
50	Benton	7,133	86	$132,938	$66,652

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.