Cost of Living in Swansea, IL

Population 14,603 · 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

Housing costs in Swansea stay well under national norms: a median home value of $212,000 against median household incomes of $84,367 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Illinois.

Geographically, Swansea sits roughly 15 miles east of St. Louis. Median home values run roughly 14% higher than St. Louis' $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 69

Rent 90

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

About the Cost of Living in Swansea

The median home value in Swansea is $211,700 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,178/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,367/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Swansea has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$211,700

31% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$256,641

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,178/mo

10% below avg

Zillow Rent

$1,396/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

15.0x

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 75.3%

Renter-occupied 24.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,178

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,792/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

25.8 min

4% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

78.7%

Carpooled

6.9%

Public transit

0.8%

Walked

0.2%

Work from home

12.8%

⚡ 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

$84,367

13% above avg

Per Capita Income

$44,262

Unemployment Rate

4.8%

1% above avg

Poverty Rate

8.3%

Labor Force Participation

64.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.7%

Graduate degree 19.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.4

Male median age 37.4

Female median age 40.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Swansea, IL?

Swansea has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.

What is average rent in Swansea, IL?

The median gross rent in Swansea is $1,178 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Swansea?

The median home value in Swansea is $211,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Swansea?

The median household income in Swansea is $84,367 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Swansea, IL?

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

Is Swansea, IL affordable?

Yes, Swansea is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.

Swansea at a Glance

Population: 14,603
Median Income: $84,367
Home Value: $211,700
Median Rent: $1,178/mo
Unemployment: 4.8%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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