Cost of Living in Benton, IL

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17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
50%
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 Benton Illinois National
Cost of living8398100
Groceries97100100
Health care96100100
Housing5095100
Transportation99101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment95100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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Homes For Sale In Benton, IL

property for sale

511 W 5th St

West Frankfort, IL
property for sale

311 N Goldheimer Ave

Benton, IL
property for sale

504 W 5th St

Benton, IL
property for sale

503 W Reed St

Benton, IL
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Benton, IL

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Benton is 16% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Benton is 17% lower than the national average
  • Benton housing is 50% 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 Benton

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Compare Benton, IL Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$78,380$6,532$1,829$2,352
      Renters$41,016$3,418$957$1,231
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Benton is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Benton has a median income of about $78,380 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,829 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $41,016. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $957 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Mulkeytown, IL132973.0%
      Hurst, IL7817821.7%
      Zeigler, IL1,8267921.2%
      Bush, IL3147921.1%
      Orient, IL4467920.7%
      Benton, IL7,1338317.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Greenbrier, TN7,1311022.2%
      Piñon Hills, CA7,13612120.9%
      Marshall, MI7,1369010.2%
      Herkimer, NY7,136945.8%
      Sturgis, SD7,137946.4%
      Benton, IL7,1338317.2%
      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.
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