Illinois is a Midwest state that has the sixth-largest population in the nation. When you visit Illinois, you’ll discover a blend of natural resources and residents. Chicago, the largest city in the state, is flanked by small industrial towns and areas with immense agricultural productivity. The Port of Chicago connects Illinois to multiple international ports, while the state is a significant transportation hub and economic producer. Springfield is the capital of Illinois, although Chicago has more than 2.6 million residents. When you’re ready to relocate to the state on a budget, learn more about the cheapest place to live in Illinois.
Median Income in Illinois
A diverse blend of cultures offers appeal to people who are considering living in Illinois. Millions of people live the big city life in Chicago, while other residents live in rural areas and on farms, producing the food that people eat throughout the nation. The vast differences between lifestyles also contribute to differences between the cost of living and median income throughout the state. The median household income in Illinois is $65,886.
In Chicago, the median household income is $58,247. The cost of living in Chicago is higher than the rest of the state, with the overall cost of living higher than the national average. The statewide cost of living estimates are slightly below the national average in all areas except housing, where the cost of living is substantially lower than the national average. The housing market in Chicago is one of the more expensive markets in the state, and residents can expect to pay approximately the national average for housing. That being said, there are plenty of perks and reasons to move to Chicago, so don’t let its higher-than-average cost of living get you down.
Cheap Living Areas in Illinois
The state of Illinois includes nearly 56,000 square miles of land and offers housing for more than 12.6 million residents. You may be asking yourself, “What is the cheapest place to live in Illinois?”
If you’re looking for the cheapest place to live in Illinois, you’ll have to look outside the big city since rent prices are highest in Chicago. You might be able to live in a suburb of the city if you plan to commute for work.
Hoopeston
Hoopeston, a smaller town with about 5,000 residents, is one of the most affordable places to live in Illinois. This quiet suburb consists of a large population of residents who have found Hoopeston one of the cheapest places to retire in Illinois. You can explore the downtown area to enjoy the small-town vibe and learn more about its history.
Freeport
Freeport, another cost-effective place to live, is within Stephenson County; German settlers from Pennsylvania founded the community during the early 19th century. Freeport has a growing economy supplemented by finance, health care, and construction. Its most famous attraction is The Great Baseball Tour.
Granite City
Granite City appeals to those who enjoy spending time outdoors and embarking on adventures. It’s close to the Mississippi River, which means you can hang out on the shore or walk alongside the water to view the natural surroundings. Other outdoor activities include dirt racing and exploring nearby Horse Shoe Lake State Park.
Charleston
Charleston is the home of Eastern Illinois University and historical attractions worth a visit. Charleston is a college town. While the cost of living is somewhat higher than in some of the smaller nearby towns, it’s still quite affordable. Historic sites dot the various neighborhoods and areas. Some of the strongest city economy elements include social services, education, and health care.
Decatur and Clinton
Decatur offers access to dining, shopping, and nightlife. The average rent price for a 1-bedroom is $575. If you like the idea of being near to this city without actually living in it and paying the higher costs, check out Clinton. This small town is about 22 miles north of Decatur, offering access to the city blended with a small-town vibe. Historical attractions abound in Clinton, including the DeWitt County Museum.
Most Affordable Rent in Illinois
Many of these areas offer affordable rent, placing them among the cheapest places to live in Illinois. Hoopeston’s average rent price comes in slightly more than $550, making it an affordable place to call home. Freeport residents pay an average of $495 per month in rent for a one-bedroom apartment. This price is well below the national average of $1,514. Rental prices throughout Freeport have increased by about 19% from 2020 to 2021.
In Granite City, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $550. This price marks a 14% decrease over the previous year. Charleston residents pay an average of $525 for a one-bedroom apartment, while those living in Clinton can expect to pay approximately $700 for a two-bedroom apartment. As you get close to Decatur, the larger city near Clinton, the rental prices go up.
If you want to live in a bigger city in Illinois but pay less in rent, consider looking for a room for rent or sharing a rental with a roommate or two. Sharing the cost of housing expenses can keep your costs under control, including rent, utilities, and internet service. Online tools offer information to people who want to share a living space. You can also keep your costs lower by limiting your electricity and gas use to lessen your monthly utility bills. Alternative rental units may be available to renters in the state, such as mobile homes.
As you start comparing cheap places to live in Illinois, search thousands of Illinois apartments for rent on Zumper and narrow down your search to fit within your budget.
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