A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
13%
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 Fairview Heights Illinois National
Cost of living9698100
Groceries100100100
Health care98100100
Housing8795100
Transportation100101100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare99100100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Fairview Heights, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Fairview Heights? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Fairview Heights stands at 96, making it 4% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Fairview Heights, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Fairview Heights will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Fairview Heights Affordable?

Wondering if Fairview Heights 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 Fairview Heights, for example, the median home price is 21% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fairview Heights boasting a median household income of $100,942, which is 24.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fairview Heights?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Fairview Heights, the utilities index registers 1.6% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Fairview Heights, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The Fairview Heights cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fairview Heights is 3% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Fairview Heights is 4% lower than the national average
  • Fairview Heights housing is 13% 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 Fairview Heights

See all the best places to live around Fairview Heights

Compare Fairview Heights, IL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Fairview Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Fairview Heights?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Fairview Heights poll results

      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$118,985$9,915$2,776$3,570
      Renters$73,889$6,157$1,724$2,217
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Fairview Heights, IL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Fairview Heights have a median income of $118,985. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,776 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $73,889, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,724.

      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.
      Rentchler, IL4991.4%
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      East St. Louis, IL27,0337722.5%
      Alorton, IL2,1497822.3%
      East Carondelet, IL3307822.2%
      Fairview Heights, IL16,620964.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kings Park, NY16,62014342.9%
      Harrisburg, NC16,61811818.4%
      Stuart, FL16,6221098.7%
      Fremont, OH16,6178415.9%
      Opa-locka, FL16,6101011.2%
      Fairview Heights, IL16,620964.4%
      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.