| Index | Carbondale | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 89 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 69 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 100 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Carbondale can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Carbondale cost of living index is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Carbondale. The feedback revealed that 17% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 83% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Carbondale affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Carbondale, for instance, where the median home price falls 32.5% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 26.5% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Carbondale flaunting a median household income of $35,623, 56.2% lower than the national norm.
Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Carbondale, the housing index is 30.7% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Carbondale, the utilities index registers at 2.5% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Carbondale are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $116,318 | $9,693 | $2,714 | $3,490 |
| Renters | $26,165 | $2,180 | $610 | $785 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Gorham, IL | 273 | 76 | 24.5% |
| Hurst, IL | 781 | 78 | 21.7% |
| Dowell, IL | 364 | 78 | 21.6% |
| Zeigler, IL | 1,826 | 79 | 21.2% |
| Bush, IL | 314 | 79 | 21.1% |
| Carbondale, IL | 26,321 | 89 | 11.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Sebastian, FL | 26,323 | 109 | 8.6% |
| Holbrook, NY | 26,325 | 140 | 40.2% |
| Cliffside Park, NJ | 26,315 | 145 | 44.5% |
| South Pasadena, CA | 26,308 | 228 | 128.5% |
| Ruskin, FL | 26,287 | 104 | 3.8% |
| Carbondale, IL | 26,321 | 89 | 11.3% |
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