Cost of Living in Pontiac, IL

Population 11,483 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Pontiac 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.

Located 50 miles southwest of Joliet, Pontiac is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Joliet's $249,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 36

Rent 62

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

About the Cost of Living in Pontiac

The median home value in Pontiac is $110,200 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $818/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,579/year is 20% 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, Pontiac has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$110,200

64% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$148,048

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$818/mo

38% below avg

Price-to-Rent Ratio

11.2x

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 65.0%

Renter-occupied 35.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$818

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,432/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

17.8 min

34% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

6.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

77.9%

Carpooled

9.4%

Walked

3.5%

Bicycle

2.3%

Work from home

6.1%

⚡ 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

$59,579

20% below avg

Per Capita Income

$31,792

Unemployment Rate

4.2%

14% below avg

Poverty Rate

9.9%

Labor Force Participation

52.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.2%

Graduate degree 6.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.4

Male median age 41

Female median age 48.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pontiac, IL?

Pontiac has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.

What is average rent in Pontiac, IL?

The median gross rent in Pontiac is $818 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pontiac?

The median home value in Pontiac is $110,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Pontiac?

The median household income in Pontiac is $59,579 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pontiac, IL?

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

Is Pontiac, IL affordable?

Yes, Pontiac is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.

Pontiac at a Glance

Population: 11,483
Median Income: $59,579
Home Value: $110,200
Median Rent: $818/mo
Unemployment: 4.2%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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