Cost of Living in Peru, IL

Population 9,863 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

57
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Peru offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $156,000 — costs less than 2.3 times median household income of $68,147, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.

Geographically, Peru is about 50 miles northeast of Peoria, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Peoria's $150,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 51
Rent 67

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

About the Cost of Living in Peru

The median home value in Peru is $155,600 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $879/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,147/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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, Peru has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$155,600
49% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$174,202
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$879/mo
33% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.8x
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 74.5%
Renter-occupied 25.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$879
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,493/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
19.3 min
29% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.3%
Carpooled
13.1%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
3.6%

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
$68,147
9% below avg
Per Capita Income
$40,131
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
31% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Labor Force Participation
63.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.1%
Graduate degree 7.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.4
Male median age 43.7
Female median age 47.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Peru, IL?

Peru has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.

What is average rent in Peru, IL?

The median gross rent in Peru is $879 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Peru?

The median home value in Peru is $155,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Peru?

The median household income in Peru is $68,147 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Peru, IL?

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

Is Peru, IL affordable?

Yes, Peru is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.

Peru at a Glance

Population
9,863
Median Income
$68,147
Home Value
$155,600
Median Rent
$879/mo
Unemployment
3.3%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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