Cost of Living in East St. Louis, IL
Population 18,278 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
East St. Louis's median household income of $30,992 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 (33% here). At 15.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, East St. Louis sits roughly 6 miles east of St. Louis. Median home values run roughly 72% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in East St. Louis
The median home value in East St. Louis is $52,700 — 83% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $597/month, 55% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $30,992/year is 58% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.3%, 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 66.5°F and lows of 46.4°F. Overall, East St. Louis has a cost of living index of 29 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 71% 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 | 40 | 46 | 56 | 68 | 77 | 86 | 89 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 28 | 36 | 46 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 66 | 57 | 46 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 2.46 | 1.96 | 3.27 | 4.48 | 4.84 | 4.36 | 3.70 | 3.68 | 3.36 | 3.07 | 3.34 | 2.32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in East St. Louis, IL?
East St. Louis has a cost index of 29 (100 = national average). It is 71% below the national average.
What is average rent in East St. Louis, IL?
The median gross rent in East St. Louis is $597 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in East St. Louis?
The median home value in East St. Louis is $52,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in East St. Louis?
The median household income in East St. Louis is $30,992 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in East St. Louis, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in East St. Louis is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is East St. Louis, IL affordable?
Yes, East St. Louis is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 29 — about 71% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in East St. Louis?
East St. Louis has average high temperatures of 66.5°F and average lows of 46.4°F. Annual precipitation is 40.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
East St. Louis at a Glance
- Population
- 18,278
- Median Income
- $30,992
- Home Value
- $52,700
- Median Rent
- $597/mo
- Unemployment
- 15.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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