Cost of Living in Benton, IL
Population 7,076 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Benton sits on the smaller end of the Illinois city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Benton lies roughly 75 miles west of the nearest major metro, Evansville. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Evansville's $129,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Benton
The median home value in Benton is $85,100 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $776/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,349/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Benton has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.
Benton has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Benton, IL?
Benton has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Benton, IL?
The median gross rent in Benton is $776 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Benton?
The median home value in Benton is $85,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Benton?
The median household income in Benton is $51,349 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Benton, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benton is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Benton, IL affordable?
Yes, Benton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
Benton at a Glance
- Population
- 7,076
- Median Income
- $51,349
- Home Value
- $85,100
- Median Rent
- $776/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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