A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
45%
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 Granite City Illinois National
Cost of living8398100
Groceries96100100
Health care95100100
Housing5595100
Transportation97101100
Utilities9599100
Lifestyle & Entertainment94100100
Household Items95100100
Education & Childcare94100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Granite City, IL

Knowing the cost of living in Granite City allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Granite City stands at 83, marking it 17% lower than the national average.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Granite City distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 45.4% 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 Granite City can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Granite City Affordable?

Is Granite City 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 Granite City is 54.1% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 25.3% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Granite City has a median household income of $79,625, which is 2.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Granite City?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

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 Granite City, the groceries index is 4.5% lower than the national average.

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 Granite City, the utilities index registers 5.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Granite City cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Granite City is 15% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Granite City is 17% lower than the national average
  • Granite City housing is 45% 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 Granite City

See all the best places to live around Granite City

Compare Granite City, 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$97,407$8,117$2,273$2,923
      Renters$38,646$3,221$902$1,159
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Granite City, 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 Granite City, the median monthly income is $97,407 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,273 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $38,646, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $902 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.
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      East St. Louis, IL27,0337722.5%
      Alorton, IL2,1497822.3%
      East Carondelet, IL3307822.2%
      Centreville, IL5,0987822.0%
      Granite City, IL29,2358316.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Benicia, CA29,20416868.4%
      Henderson, KY29,2678811.8%
      Burton, MI29,1818514.8%
      Oakleaf Plantation, FL29,17911615.5%
      Greenville, TX29,176919.2%
      Granite City, IL29,2358316.9%
      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.