Cost of Living in Charleston, IL
Population 17,212 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Charleston a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $134,000. A poverty rate near 25% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Charleston lies roughly 80 miles east of the nearest major metro, Springfield. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Springfield's $155,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Charleston
The median home value in Charleston is $133,700 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $819/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,057/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 62.9°F and lows of 44.0°F. Overall, Charleston has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% 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 | 35 | 40 | 52 | 64 | 74 | 83 | 86 | 84 | 79 | 66 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 20 | 24 | 33 | 43 | 54 | 63 | 66 | 64 | 56 | 45 | 35 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.04 | 1.81 | 2.22 | 4.14 | 3.86 | 4.72 | 3.96 | 2.42 | 2.85 | 3.11 | 3.03 | 1.84 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Charleston, IL?
Charleston has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Charleston, IL?
The median gross rent in Charleston is $819 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston is $133,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston is $49,057 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Charleston, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Charleston is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Charleston, IL affordable?
Yes, Charleston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Charleston?
Charleston has average high temperatures of 62.9°F and average lows of 44.0°F. Annual precipitation is 36". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Charleston at a Glance
- Population
- 17,212
- Median Income
- $49,057
- Home Value
- $133,700
- Median Rent
- $819/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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