Cost of Living in Granite City, IL

With a cost of living index of 65, Granite City, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 36% cheaper than the national average and 15% below the Illinois state average of 80. With a population of 26,670, Granite City is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Granite City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $761 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $99,800 (67% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Granite City is $60,490, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Granite 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.