A-
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Glen Carbon Illinois National
Cost of living10598100
Groceries100100100
Health care98100100
Housing11895100
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 Glen Carbon, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Glen Carbon? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Glen Carbon stands at 105, making it 5% higher 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Glen Carbon are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Glen Carbon can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Glen Carbon Affordable?

Is Glen Carbon an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Glen Carbon, the median home price is 25.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 1% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Glen Carbon come in at $124,119, which is 52.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Glen Carbon?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Glen Carbon, the groceries index is 0.3% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Glen Carbon, the utilities index is 1.6% higher 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 Glen Carbon, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Glen Carbon shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Glen Carbon is 7% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Glen Carbon is 5% higher than the national average
  • Glen Carbon housing is 18% higher 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 Glen Carbon

See all the best places to live around Glen Carbon

Compare Glen Carbon, IL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Glen Carbon?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Glen Carbon?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Glen Carbon 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$160,978$13,415$3,756$4,830
      Renters$70,763$5,897$1,651$2,123
      The affordability of the housing market in Glen Carbon, 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 Glen Carbon homeowners, the median income is $160,978. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,756 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $70,763. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,651 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      East St. Louis, IL27,0337722.5%
      Alorton, IL2,1497822.3%
      East Carondelet, IL3307822.2%
      Centreville, IL5,0987822.0%
      Glen Carbon, IL12,9631055.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Woodhaven, MI12,963964.0%
      Salisbury, NY12,96214645.9%
      Kewanee, IL12,9618217.7%
      Vinings, GA12,96614141.4%
      Echelon, NJ12,95411817.9%
      Glen Carbon, IL12,9631055.0%
      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.