A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Swansea Illinois National
Cost of living9998100
Groceries99100100
Health care100100100
Housing9995100
Transportation100101100
Utilities9799100
Lifestyle & Entertainment96100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare99100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Swansea, IL

Understanding the cost of living in Swansea 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 Swansea cost of living index is 99, which is 1% lower 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.

In Swansea, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Swansea will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Swansea Affordable?

Is Swansea an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Swansea is 6.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 12.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Swansea has a median household income of $122,386, which is 50.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Swansea?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Swansea, the transportation index is 0.1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Swansea, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.95%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Swansea 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 Swansea is 1% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Swansea is 1% lower than the national average
  • Swansea housing is 1% 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 Swansea

See all the best places to live around Swansea

Compare Swansea, 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$139,468$11,622$3,254$4,184
      Renters$70,942$5,912$1,655$2,128
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Swansea 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. Swansea has a median income of about $139,468 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,254 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $70,942. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,655 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.
      Rentchler, IL4991.4%
      Paderborn, IL68991.4%
      Floraville, IL31991.4%
      Brooklyn, IL4457426.2%
      East St. Louis, IL27,0337722.5%
      Swansea, IL14,604991.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Willowick, OH14,6029010.2%
      Viera West, FL14,60913333.1%
      Metuchen, NJ14,59614848.3%
      Phillipsburg, NJ14,613954.6%
      Setauket-East Setauket, NY14,61414444.4%
      Swansea, IL14,604991.2%
      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.