A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Pekin Illinois National
Cost of living8898100
Groceries101100100
Health care99100100
Housing6195100
Transportation103101100
Utilities9999100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare97100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pekin, IL

The cost of living in Pekin affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Pekin is 88, which is 12% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Pekin Affordable?

Is Pekin 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 Pekin, the median home price is 42.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 31.2% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Pekin come in at $76,166, which is 6.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pekin?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Pekin starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Pekin, the utilities index is 0.8% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Pekin 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pekin is 10% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Pekin is 12% lower than the national average
  • Pekin 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 Pekin

See all the best places to live around Pekin

Compare Pekin, 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$95,922$7,994$2,238$2,878
      Renters$43,188$3,599$1,008$1,296
      The affordability of the housing market in Pekin, 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 Pekin homeowners, the median income is $95,922. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,238 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $43,188. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,008 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.
      Mapleton, IL3458316.6%
      Creve Coeur, IL5,2618515.3%
      Forest City, IL3238515.4%
      Kingston Mines, IL2468515.2%
      Glasford, IL9218614.3%
      Pekin, IL33,4688811.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Saint-Georges, QC33,468n/a 
      College Park, MD33,47512929.1%
      La Verne, CA33,46016665.8%
      St. Charles, IL33,45211817.6%
      Laramie, WY33,4421033.0%
      Pekin, IL33,4688811.8%
      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.