Cost of Living in Sparta, IL
Population 4,070 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Sparta stay well under national norms: a median home value of $121,000 against median household incomes of $63,401 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois. At 9.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Sparta is about 45 miles southeast of St. Louis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sparta
The median home value in Sparta is $120,500 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $722/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,401/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.9%, above 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, Sparta has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.
Sparta has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Sparta, IL?
Sparta has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sparta, IL?
The median gross rent in Sparta is $722 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sparta?
The median home value in Sparta is $120,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sparta?
The median household income in Sparta is $63,401 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sparta, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sparta is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Sparta, IL affordable?
Yes, Sparta is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
Sparta at a Glance
- Population
- 4,070
- Median Income
- $63,401
- Home Value
- $120,500
- Median Rent
- $722/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.9%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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