A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Godfrey Illinois National
Cost of living9598100
Groceries99100100
Health care93100100
Housing9195100
Transportation97101100
Utilities9699100
Lifestyle & Entertainment94100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Godfrey, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Godfrey? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Godfrey stands at 95, making it 5% 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 Godfrey, 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 Godfrey will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Godfrey Affordable?

Is Godfrey affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Godfrey, the median home price is 16.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 8.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Godfrey boasting a median household income of $110,636, 36% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Godfrey?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Godfrey, the groceries index is 1.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Godfrey, the transportation index is 3.5% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Godfrey 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 Godfrey is 4% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Godfrey is 5% lower than the national average
  • Godfrey housing is 9% 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 Godfrey

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Compare Godfrey, IL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$121,186$10,099$2,827$3,636
      Renters$65,886$5,491$1,537$1,977
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Godfrey, IL, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Godfrey, the median monthly income is $121,186 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,827 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $65,886, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,537 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Champ, MO3964.1%
      Otterville, IL2017723.4%
      Royal Lakes, IL2927822.2%
      Kinloch, MO3447920.8%
      Riverview, MO2,9068119.4%
      Godfrey, IL17,898955.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Coalinga, CA17,90211211.6%
      Flowing Wells, AZ17,8908515.4%
      Lindenwold, NJ17,9061022.0%
      Wailuku, HI17,88616867.6%
      Amesbury Town, MA17,91613130.9%
      Godfrey, IL17,898955.4%
      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.