| Index | Decatur | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 85 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 54 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 94 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 100 | 100 |
The cost of living in Decatur affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Decatur is 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Decatur distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 46% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Decatur can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.
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 Decatur. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Decatur is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Decatur, for example, the median home price is 53.3% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 29% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Decatur boasting a median household income of $68,944, which is 15.2% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Decatur, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.95%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Decatur 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 | $91,242 | $7,604 | $2,129 | $2,738 |
| Renters | $40,427 | $3,369 | $943 | $1,213 |
| 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. |
| Chestnut, IL | 39 | 98 | 2.1% |
| Boody, IL | 460 | 83 | 17.4% |
| Niantic, IL | 680 | 83 | 16.9% |
| Latham, IL | 366 | 84 | 16.3% |
| Dalton City, IL | 739 | 85 | 15.2% |
| Decatur, IL | 74,163 | 85 | 15.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Turlock, CA | 74,182 | 130 | 30.4% |
| Sault Ste. Marie, ON | 74,249 | n/a | |
| Bowling Green, KY | 74,252 | 94 | 5.8% |
| Maple Grove, MN | 74,291 | 119 | 19.5% |
| Wood Buffalo, AB | 74,298 | n/a | |
| Decatur, IL | 74,163 | 85 | 15.3% |
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