Cost of Living in Standard, IL

With a cost of living index of 70, Standard, IL is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 30% cheaper than the national average and 10% below the Illinois state average of 80. Standard is a small community of 284 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Standard's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $908 (31% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $108,200 (65% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Standard is $52,500, which is 30% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Standard. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.8°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 24°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches spread over roughly 131 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.