A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
39%
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 Jacksonville Illinois National
Cost of living8898100
Groceries98100100
Health care101100100
Housing6195100
Transportation102101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare95100100
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 Jacksonville, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Jacksonville is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Jacksonville is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Is Jacksonville Affordable?

Is Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, the median home price is 41.9% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 32.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Jacksonville come in at $69,059, which is 15.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville, the utilities index registers 1.5% lower than the national average.

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 Jacksonville, the groceries index is 2.5% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is 11% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 12% lower than the national average
  • Jacksonville housing is 39% 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 Jacksonville

See all the best places to live around Jacksonville

Compare Jacksonville, IL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Jacksonville?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Jacksonville?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Jacksonville 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$95,178$7,932$2,221$2,856
      Renters$40,750$3,396$951$1,223
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Jacksonville, IL, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Jacksonville, homeowners have a median income of $95,178. Using that number, a maximum of $2,221 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $40,750, which means there is a maximum of $951 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Glasgow, IL967822.4%
      Lynnville, IL1338020.5%
      Alsey, IL1808118.9%
      Exeter, IL748218.3%
      Chapin, IL5558416.4%
      Jacksonville, IL19,2188812.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Durant, OK19,2218910.5%
      Seminole, FL19,2131099.3%
      Brushy Creek, TX19,20212221.9%
      Homewood, IL19,2341000.4%
      Lake Shore, MD19,23913635.9%
      Jacksonville, IL19,2188812.5%
      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.