Cost of Living in Waterloo, IL
Population 11,055 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waterloo is a smaller Illinois community of around 11000 residents, where median household incomes of $92,005 and housing costs ($238,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Waterloo sits roughly 20 miles south of St. Louis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 29% higher than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waterloo
The median home value in Waterloo is $237,900 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $873/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $92,005/year is 23% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Waterloo has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waterloo, IL?
Waterloo has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waterloo, IL?
The median gross rent in Waterloo is $873 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo is $237,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waterloo?
The median household income in Waterloo is $92,005 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waterloo, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waterloo is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Waterloo, IL affordable?
Yes, Waterloo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
Waterloo at a Glance
- Population
- 11,055
- Median Income
- $92,005
- Home Value
- $237,900
- Median Rent
- $873/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs