Cost of Living in Chester, IL

With a cost of living index of 62, Chester, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 38% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the Illinois state average of 80. Chester is a smaller community of 6,830 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chester's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $642 (51% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $107,800 (65% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Chester is $74,673, which is 1% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 10% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

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.