A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
41%
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 Rantoul Illinois National
Cost of living8798100
Groceries99100100
Health care98100100
Housing5995100
Transportation99101100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare101100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Rantoul, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Rantoul? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Rantoul stands at 87, making it 13% 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.

Housing expenses often consume a significant portion of your net income, occasionally surpassing 30%. Fortunately, housing costs in Rantoul are 40.9% below the national average. This highlights the region's exceptional affordability for both homeownership and rentals in comparison to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more reasonable fraction of their income to housing, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and improved overall financial well-being.

Is Rantoul Affordable?

Wondering if Rantoul 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 Rantoul, for example, the median home price is 50.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 18% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Rantoul boasting a median household income of $61,214, which is 24.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rantoul?

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 Rantoul, healthcare costs are 1.8% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Rantoul, the transportation index stands at 1% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Rantoul cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rantoul is 11% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Rantoul is 13% lower than the national average
  • Rantoul housing is 41% 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 Rantoul

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Compare Rantoul, 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$88,518$7,377$2,065$2,656
      Renters$47,495$3,958$1,108$1,425
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Rantoul is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Rantoul has a median income of about $88,518 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,065 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $47,495. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,108 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Foosland, IL548119.1%
      Ludlow, IL4428118.7%
      Rankin, IL5358218.4%
      Elliott, IL3168514.9%
      Loda, IL3588515.2%
      Rantoul, IL13,2638712.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Miller Place, NY13,26214040.2%
      Lexington Park, MD13,26011312.9%
      New Carrollton, MD13,26812221.9%
      Finneytown, OH13,269918.9%
      Lilburn, GA13,2541033.2%
      Rantoul, IL13,2638712.7%
      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.