Cost of Living in Richmond, IL

With a cost of living index of 90, Richmond, IL is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 10% cheaper than the national average and 11% above the Illinois state average of 80. Richmond is a small community of 2,530 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Richmond's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,183 (10% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $225,800 (26% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Richmond is $70,379, which is 6% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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 Richmond. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.2°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 27°F. Annual rainfall totals 31.9 inches spread over roughly 129 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher 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.