Cost of Living in Metropolis, IL

Population 5,898 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

41
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Metropolis 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 85 miles northwest of Clarksville, Metropolis is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Clarksville's $236,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 31
Rent 57

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Metropolis

The median home value in Metropolis is $93,700 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $748/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,548/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 69.3°F and lows of 48.2°F, with about 8.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Metropolis has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$93,700
69% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$120,935
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$748/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 67.3%
Renter-occupied 32.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$748
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,362/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.3 min
32% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.8%
Carpooled
16.1%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
5.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$51,548
31% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,948
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
47% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Labor Force Participation
48.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.9%
Graduate degree 5.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.3
Male median age 46.3
Female median age 46.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.3°F
Avg Low
48.2°F
Annual Precip
50.3"
Annual Snowfall
8.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 455060707987909083725948
Low °F 273138485866696759483831
Precip" 3.853.944.645.174.874.514.303.113.553.994.094.30
Snow" 2.73.01.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.10.21.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Metropolis, IL?

Metropolis has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.

What is average rent in Metropolis, IL?

The median gross rent in Metropolis is $748 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Metropolis?

The median home value in Metropolis is $93,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Metropolis?

The median household income in Metropolis is $51,548 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Metropolis, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Metropolis is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Metropolis, IL affordable?

Yes, Metropolis is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Metropolis?

Metropolis has average high temperatures of 69.3°F and average lows of 48.2°F. Annual precipitation is 50.3". Average annual snowfall is 8.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Metropolis at a Glance

Population
5,898
Median Income
$51,548
Home Value
$93,700
Median Rent
$748/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Avg High Temp
69.3°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in Illinois →
🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs