Cost of Living in Normal, IL
Population 52,908 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Normal offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $200,000 — costs less than 3 times median household income of $66,350, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Normal is about 35 miles east of Peoria, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Peoria's $150,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Normal
The median home value in Normal is $199,900 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $974/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,350/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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, Normal has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Normal, IL?
Normal has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Normal, IL?
The median gross rent in Normal is $974 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Normal?
The median home value in Normal is $199,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Normal?
The median household income in Normal is $66,350 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Normal, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Normal is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Normal, IL affordable?
Yes, Normal is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
Normal at a Glance
- Population
- 52,908
- Median Income
- $66,350
- Home Value
- $199,900
- Median Rent
- $974/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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