Cost of Living in Fairmont City, IL

With a cost of living index of 69, Fairmont City, 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. Fairmont City is a small community of 2,354 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fairmont City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,012 (23% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $65,500 (79% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.5x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Fairmont City is $43,333, which is 42% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fairmont City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 56.5°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 35°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.8 inches spread over roughly 117 days.

Everyday prices in the St. Louis, MO-IL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.