| Index | Swansea | Illinois | National |
| Cost of living | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 99 | 95 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 99 | 100 | 100 |

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 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.
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%.
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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Rentchler, IL | 4 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Paderborn, IL | 68 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Floraville, IL | 31 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Brooklyn, IL | 445 | 74 | 26.2% |
| East St. Louis, IL | 27,033 | 77 | 22.5% |
| Swansea, IL | 14,604 | 99 | 1.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Willowick, OH | 14,602 | 90 | 10.2% |
| Viera West, FL | 14,609 | 133 | 33.1% |
| Metuchen, NJ | 14,596 | 148 | 48.3% |
| Phillipsburg, NJ | 14,613 | 95 | 4.6% |
| Setauket-East Setauket, NY | 14,614 | 144 | 44.4% |
| Swansea, IL | 14,604 | 99 | 1.2% |