Cost of Living in Decatur, IL
Population 70,368 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Decatur cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $97,000, rents near $796 a month. At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Decatur is about 40 miles east of Springfield, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Springfield's $155,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Decatur
The median home value in Decatur is $97,300 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $796/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,809/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, 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 62.8°F and lows of 43.5°F. Overall, Decatur has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% 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 | 23 | 32 | 42 | 53 | 62 | 66 | 63 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 25 |
| Precip" | 1.99 | 1.84 | 2.51 | 3.66 | 4.38 | 4.38 | 3.32 | 3.03 | 2.98 | 3.18 | 2.97 | 2.12 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Decatur, IL?
Decatur has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Decatur, IL?
The median gross rent in Decatur is $796 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur is $97,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Decatur?
The median household income in Decatur is $50,809 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Decatur, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Decatur is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Decatur, IL affordable?
Yes, Decatur is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Decatur?
Decatur has average high temperatures of 62.8°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 36.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Decatur at a Glance
- Population
- 70,368
- Median Income
- $50,809
- Home Value
- $97,300
- Median Rent
- $796/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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