Cost of Living in Chester, IL
Population 6,830 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Chester can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $108,000 against $74,673 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Located 55 miles southeast of St. Louis, Chester is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chester
The median home value in Chester is $107,800 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $642/month, 51% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,673/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Chester has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.
Chester 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 Chester, IL?
Chester has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chester, IL?
The median gross rent in Chester is $642 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $107,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester is $74,673 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chester, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chester is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Chester, IL affordable?
Yes, Chester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.
Chester at a Glance
- Population
- 6,830
- Median Income
- $74,673
- Home Value
- $107,800
- Median Rent
- $642/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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