A+
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
44%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Dixon Illinois National
Cost of living8598100
Goods & Services9698100
Groceries99100100
Health care115102100
Housing5695100
Transportation101102100
Utilities9298100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Dixon, IL

Understanding the cost of living in Dixon 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 Dixon cost of living index is 85, which is 15% 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.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Dixon distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 44.1% 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 Dixon can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Dixon?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Dixon to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 40% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 60% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Dixon Affordable?

Wondering if Dixon 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 Dixon, for example, the median home price is 48.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 33.1% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Dixon boasting a median household income of $69,620, which is 14.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Dixon?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Dixon, healthcare costs are 14.5% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Dixon, the transportation index is 1% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Dixon, the groceries index is 0.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Dixon cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Dixon is 13% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Dixon is 15% lower than the national average
  • Dixon housing is 44% 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 Dixon

See all the best places to live around Dixon

Compare Dixon, IL Cost of Living

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      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$100,878$8,407$2,354$3,027
      Renters$38,474$3,206$898$1,154
      The affordability of the housing market in Dixon, 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 Dixon homeowners, the median income is $100,878. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,354 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $38,474. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $898 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Dixon National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.97$27.621.3%
      Beauty Salon $45.42$51.1111.1%
      Toothpaste $4.20$4.092.6%
      Shampoo $1.53$1.540.8%
      Movie $12.99$12.880.9%
      Yoga $15.88$19.6619.2%

      Groceries

      Item Dixon National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.72$7.700.2%
      Fried Chicken $1.55$1.666.8%
      Milk $4.76$4.730.6%
      Potatoes $5.31$5.261.0%
      Pizza $12.86$12.760.8%
      Beer $10.42$10.551.2%

      Health Care

      Item Dixon National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $90.00$140.0635.7%
      Doctor $191.40$153.8224.4%
      Dentist $124.67$123.151.2%
      Ibuprofen $11.88$11.731.3%
      Lipitor $32.27$23.6136.7%

      Housing

      Item Dixon National avg. Difference
      Home Price $166,985.00$326,622.0048.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,833.16$2,480.2526.1%
      Apartment Rent $966.00$1,444.0033.1%

      Transportation

      Item Dixon National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.19$3.064.4%
      Tire Balancing $60.65$65.217.0%

      Utilities

      Item Dixon National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $188.02$220.1214.6%
      Phone $201.97$195.713.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Harmon, IL1508217.9%
      Rock Falls, IL9,1528317.2%
      Nelson, IL1388316.6%
      Franklin Grove, IL9758415.9%
      Mount Morris, IL3,2778514.9%
      Dixon, IL16,1458514.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dentsville, SC16,145928.2%
      Springfield, MB16,146n/a 
      Parlier, CA16,1391099.3%
      Mebane, NC16,1521032.6%
      Morton, IL16,1341032.6%
      Dixon, IL16,1458514.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.