A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Macomb Illinois National
Cost of living8798100
Groceries100100100
Health care99100100
Housing6095100
Transportation101101100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment96100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare100100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Macomb, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Macomb 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 Macomb is 87, which is 13% 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 Macomb Affordable?

Is Macomb 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 Macomb is 46.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 23.6% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Macomb has a median household income of $51,716, which is 36.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Macomb?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Macomb, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

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 Macomb, the groceries index is 0.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Macomb 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 Macomb is 11% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Macomb is 13% lower than the national average
  • Macomb housing is 40% 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 Macomb

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Compare Macomb, 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$99,754$8,313$2,327$2,993
      Renters$30,018$2,502$700$901
      The affordability of the housing market in Macomb, 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 Macomb homeowners, the median income is $99,754. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,327 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $30,018. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $700 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.
      Bardolph, IL2867525.0%
      Vermont, IL7677722.7%
      Avon, IL7118019.6%
      Plymouth, IL4518119.0%
      Table Grove, IL3738118.6%
      Macomb, IL18,0718712.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Martinsburg, WV18,0701022.3%
      Tinton Falls, NJ18,07313838.0%
      Greenfield Town, MA18,0761098.6%
      Pelham, ON18,077n/a 
      Otsego, MN18,07811514.9%
      Macomb, IL18,0718712.5%
      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.