Cost of Living in Charleston, IL

With a cost of living index of 69, Charleston, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 31% cheaper than the national average and 10% below the Illinois state average of 80. Charleston is a smaller community of 17,212 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Charleston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $819 (38% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $133,700 (56% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Charleston is $49,057, which is 35% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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.