A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
54%
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 Murphysboro Illinois National
Cost of living8298100
Groceries97100100
Health care96100100
Housing4695100
Transportation99101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment95100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Murphysboro is 17% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Murphysboro is 18% lower than the national average
  • Murphysboro housing is 54% 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 Murphysboro

See all the best places to live around Murphysboro

Compare Murphysboro, IL Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Murphysboro?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Murphysboro?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Murphysboro 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$75,312$6,276$1,757$2,260
      Renters$37,701$3,142$880$1,131
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Murphysboro, 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 Murphysboro have a median income of $75,312. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,757 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $37,701, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $880.

      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.
      Mulkeytown, IL132973.0%
      Gorham, IL2737624.5%
      Grand Tower, IL6107722.8%
      Hurst, IL7817821.7%
      Dowell, IL3647821.6%
      Murphysboro, IL7,9838218.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Union, SC7,9818415.5%
      Joshua Tree, CA7,9801076.8%
      Odessa, FL7,98012322.6%
      Pomona, NJ7,9801077.5%
      Beckwith, ON7,986n/a 
      Murphysboro, IL7,9838218.2%
      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.