A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
52%
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 Freeport Illinois National
Cost of living8298100
Groceries98100100
Health care98100100
Housing4895100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9699100
Lifestyle & Entertainment94100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare97100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Freeport, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Freeport? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Freeport stands at 82, making it 18% 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.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Freeport distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 52.4% 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 Freeport can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Freeport Affordable?

Is Freeport an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Freeport is 61.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 30.3% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Freeport has a median household income of $60,434, which is 25.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Freeport?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Freeport, the housing index is 52.4% lower 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 Freeport, the groceries index is 2.5% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Freeport, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The Freeport cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Freeport is 16% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Freeport is 18% lower than the national average
  • Freeport housing is 52% 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 Freeport

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Compare Freeport, IL Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$76,575$6,381$1,787$2,297
      Renters$38,257$3,188$893$1,148
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Freeport 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. Freeport has a median income of about $76,575 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,787 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $38,257. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $893 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.
      Adeline, IL1018020.5%
      Winslow, IL3328416.2%
      Leaf River, IL5208416.0%
      Lanark, IL1,5108415.9%
      Dakota, IL7418415.6%
      Freeport, IL24,8378217.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Okemos, MI24,8481099.0%
      Kalispell, MT24,8481076.9%
      Somerset, NJ24,85613332.6%
      Camas, WA24,81414040.3%
      Sturgeon County, AB24,881n/a 
      Freeport, IL24,8378217.6%
      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.