Cost of Living in Mount Zion, IL

With a cost of living index of 68, Mount Zion, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 12% below the Illinois state average of 80. Mount Zion is a smaller community of 6,076 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mount Zion's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $696 (47% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $200,300 (34% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Mount Zion is $110,786, which is 47% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 8% 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 Mount Zion. The area sees an average annual temperature of 53.1°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 30°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches spread over roughly 118 days.

Everyday prices in the Decatur, 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.