Cost of Living in Chatham, IL
Population 14,740 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chatham 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.
Located 8 miles southwest of Springfield, Chatham falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 49% higher than Springfield's $155,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chatham
The median home value in Chatham is $231,900 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,157/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,030/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Chatham has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chatham, IL?
Chatham has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chatham, IL?
The median gross rent in Chatham is $1,157 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham is $231,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chatham?
The median household income in Chatham is $106,030 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chatham, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chatham is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Chatham, IL affordable?
Yes, Chatham is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
Chatham at a Glance
- Population
- 14,740
- Median Income
- $106,030
- Home Value
- $231,900
- Median Rent
- $1,157/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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