Cost of Living in Albany, IL

With a cost of living index of 68, Albany, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 12% below the Illinois state average of 80. Albany is a small community of 783 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Albany's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $721 (45% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $147,800 (52% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Albany is $68,750, which is 9% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.