Cost of Living in Vandalia, IL
Population 6,041 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Vandalia's median household income of $43,184 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (22% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Vandalia is about 65 miles southeast of Springfield, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Springfield's $155,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vandalia
The median home value in Vandalia is $88,800 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $738/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,184/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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, Vandalia has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.
Vandalia 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Vandalia, IL?
Vandalia has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Vandalia, IL?
The median gross rent in Vandalia is $738 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Vandalia?
The median home value in Vandalia is $88,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Vandalia?
The median household income in Vandalia is $43,184 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vandalia, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vandalia is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Vandalia, IL affordable?
Yes, Vandalia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
Vandalia at a Glance
- Population
- 6,041
- Median Income
- $43,184
- Home Value
- $88,800
- Median Rent
- $738/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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