Cost of Living in Washington, IL

With a cost of living index of 82, Washington, IL is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 18% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Illinois state average. Washington is a smaller community of 15,946 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Washington's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,087 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $216,700 (29% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Washington is $91,360, which is 22% higher 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Washington. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.7°F, with summers averaging 75°F and winters around 29°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches spread over roughly 117 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Peoria, 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.