Cost of Living in Bethalto, IL
Population 9,244 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Bethalto can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $159,000 against $66,469 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Located 20 miles northeast of St. Louis, Bethalto falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bethalto
The median home value in Bethalto is $158,600 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $879/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,469/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, above 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, Bethalto has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Bethalto 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bethalto, IL?
Bethalto has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bethalto, IL?
The median gross rent in Bethalto is $879 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bethalto?
The median home value in Bethalto is $158,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bethalto?
The median household income in Bethalto is $66,469 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bethalto, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bethalto is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Bethalto, IL affordable?
Yes, Bethalto is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
Bethalto at a Glance
- Population
- 9,244
- Median Income
- $66,469
- Home Value
- $158,600
- Median Rent
- $879/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs