| Index | Normal | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 93 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 95 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 100 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Normal? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Normal stands at 97, making it 3% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in Normal is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 8 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Normal. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 63% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 38% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.
Wondering if Normal is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Normal, for example, the median home price is 5.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 11.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Normal boasting a median household income of $87,049, which is 7% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Normal, healthcare costs are 1.8% higher than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Normal, is 7.4% lower than the national average.
Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Normal, the groceries index is 0.7% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Normal are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $140,923 | $11,744 | $3,288 | $4,228 |
| Renters | $35,872 | $2,989 | $837 | $1,076 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Stanford, IL | 718 | 87 | 13.4% |
| Cooksville, IL | 170 | 88 | 12.2% |
| Ellsworth, IL | 224 | 89 | 11.5% |
| Chenoa, IL | 1,942 | 88 | 11.7% |
| Le Roy, IL | 3,546 | 91 | 8.6% |
| Normal, IL | 55,834 | 97 | 3.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Apple Valley, MN | 55,842 | 113 | 13.3% |
| Aloha, OR | 55,865 | 126 | 26.4% |
| Elyria, OH | 55,802 | 86 | 14.1% |
| Brookhaven, GA | 55,874 | 144 | 43.6% |
| Westchester, FL | 55,883 | 125 | 25.2% |
| Normal, IL | 55,834 | 97 | 3.1% |
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