Cost of Living in Monticello, IL

Population 6,332 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

70
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing costs in Monticello stay well under national norms: a median home value of $196,000 against median household incomes of $88,611 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Monticello is about 60 miles east of Springfield, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% higher than Springfield's $155,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 64
Rent 78

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

About the Cost of Living in Monticello

The median home value in Monticello is $196,000 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,030/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,611/year is 19% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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, Monticello has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$196,000
36% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$56,694
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,030/mo
22% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.9x
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 84.3%
Renter-occupied 15.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,030
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,644/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
24.6 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
90.7%
Carpooled
1.8%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
7.2%

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
$88,611
19% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,725
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
54% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
Labor Force Participation
63.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.0%
Graduate degree 11.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.9
Male median age 40.7
Female median age 45.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Monticello, IL?

Monticello has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in Monticello, IL?

The median gross rent in Monticello is $1,030 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Monticello?

The median home value in Monticello is $196,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Monticello?

The median household income in Monticello is $88,611 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Monticello, IL?

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

Is Monticello, IL affordable?

Yes, Monticello is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

Monticello at a Glance

Population
6,332
Median Income
$88,611
Home Value
$196,000
Median Rent
$1,030/mo
Unemployment
2.2%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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