Cost of Living in St. Charles, IL
Population 32,733 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
St. Charles lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $370,000 — 21% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Illinois.
Located 8 miles south of Elgin, St. Charles falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 46% higher than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in St. Charles
The median home value in St. Charles is $369,700 — 21% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,788/month, 36% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $115,350/year is 55% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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, St. Charles has a cost of living index of 127 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% more 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 St. Charles, IL?
St. Charles has a cost index of 127 (100 = national average). It is 27% above the national average.
What is average rent in St. Charles, IL?
The median gross rent in St. Charles is $1,788 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in St. Charles?
The median home value in St. Charles is $369,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in St. Charles?
The median household income in St. Charles is $115,350 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in St. Charles, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Charles is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is St. Charles, IL affordable?
St. Charles is above average in cost of living, with an index of 127 — about 27% higher than the national average.
St. Charles at a Glance
- Population
- 32,733
- Median Income
- $115,350
- Home Value
- $369,700
- Median Rent
- $1,788/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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