A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Belleville Illinois National
Cost of living8898100
Groceries99100100
Health care100100100
Housing6395100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment96100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare99100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Belleville, IL

Knowing the cost of living in Belleville allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Belleville stands at 88, marking it 12% lower than the national average.

Is Belleville Affordable?

Is Belleville an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Belleville is 45.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 15.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Belleville has a median household income of $80,172, which is 1.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Belleville?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Belleville, the transportation index stands at 0.1% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Belleville, the groceries index registers 0.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Belleville cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Belleville is 10% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Belleville is 12% lower than the national average
  • Belleville housing is 37% lower than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Belleville

See all the best places to live around Belleville

Compare Belleville, IL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$98,612$8,218$2,301$2,959
      Renters$45,040$3,753$1,051$1,351
      The affordability of the housing market in Belleville, IL as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Belleville homeowners, the median income is $98,612. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,301 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $45,040. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,051 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Floraville, IL31991.4%
      Rentchler, IL4991.4%
      Darmstadt, IL0991.4%
      Paderborn, IL68991.4%
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      Belleville, IL42,4998812.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Leominster, MA42,48011818.0%
      Kearny, NJ42,47113131.1%
      Findlay, OH42,458918.9%
      Westfield, MA42,54711716.8%
      Woodlawn, MD42,61111313.2%
      Belleville, IL42,4998812.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.