Cost of Living in Litchfield, IL

With a cost of living index of 61, Litchfield, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 39% cheaper than the national average and 19% below the Illinois state average of 80. Litchfield is a smaller community of 6,814 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Litchfield's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $645 (51% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $100,500 (67% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Litchfield is $54,190, which is 28% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% 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 Litchfield. 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.