Cost of Living in Gillespie, IL

With a cost of living index of 64, Gillespie, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 37% cheaper than the national average and 16% below the Illinois state average of 80. Gillespie is a small community of 3,118 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Gillespie's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $756 (43% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $89,500 (71% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Gillespie is $76,806, which is 2% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Gillespie. The area sees an average annual temperature of 56.1°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 34°F. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches spread over roughly 114 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.