B
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
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 Montgomery Illinois National
Cost of living10998100
Groceries97100100
Health care99100100
Housing13295100
Transportation103101100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment96100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Montgomery, IL

Understanding the cost of living in Montgomery can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Montgomery cost of living index is 109, which is 9% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Montgomery aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Montgomery residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Montgomery, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 31.9% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Montgomery Affordable?

Is Montgomery 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 Montgomery, the median home price is 23.8% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 50.8% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Montgomery come in at $145,914, which is 79.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Montgomery?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Montgomery, healthcare costs are 0.7% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Montgomery, the utilities index registers at 1.6% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Montgomery 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 Montgomery is 11% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Montgomery is 9% higher than the national average
  • Montgomery housing is 32% 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 Montgomery

See all the best places to live around Montgomery

Compare Montgomery, 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$148,743$12,395$3,470$4,463
      Renters$145,365$12,114$3,392$4,361
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Montgomery, IL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Montgomery have a median income of $148,743. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,470 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $145,365, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $3,392.

      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.
      Rockdale, IL2,487954.9%
      Newark, IL1,376982.3%
      Millington, IL679981.8%
      Sandwich, IL7,547991.0%
      Crest Hill, IL20,9831010.7%
      Montgomery, IL20,1891098.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kirkland, QC20,189n/a 
      West Hempstead, NY20,19115150.8%
      North Bay Shore, NY20,19813029.6%
      Seymour, IN20,2018910.6%
      Central Falls, RI20,1751033.0%
      Montgomery, IL20,1891098.9%
      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.