Cost of Living in Carbondale, IL
Population 21,813 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carbondale's median household income of $29,670 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (37% here). At 9.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Carbondale lies roughly 85 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carbondale
The median home value in Carbondale is $124,800 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $750/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $29,670/year is 60% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 67.1°F and lows of 45.8°F. Overall, Carbondale has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 47 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 86 | 88 | 87 | 81 | 70 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 25 | 28 | 36 | 45 | 55 | 64 | 68 | 65 | 56 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 2.79 | 2.61 | 4.14 | 5.34 | 4.98 | 4.11 | 3.61 | 3.05 | 2.85 | 3.54 | 3.87 | 3.12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carbondale, IL?
Carbondale has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Carbondale, IL?
The median gross rent in Carbondale is $750 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carbondale?
The median home value in Carbondale is $124,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carbondale?
The median household income in Carbondale is $29,670 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carbondale, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carbondale is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Carbondale, IL affordable?
Yes, Carbondale is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Carbondale?
Carbondale has average high temperatures of 67.1°F and average lows of 45.8°F. Annual precipitation is 44". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carbondale at a Glance
- Population
- 21,813
- Median Income
- $29,670
- Home Value
- $124,800
- Median Rent
- $750/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.1°F
- 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