A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
29%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Marion Illinois National
Cost of living9196100
Goods & Services10097100
Groceries9598100
Health care8895100
Housing7195100
Transportation91103100
Utilities12189100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Marion, IL

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Marion is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Marion is 91, which is 9% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Marion, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, 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 Marion will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Marion Affordable?

Wondering if Marion 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 Marion, for example, the median home price is 32% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 23.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Marion boasting a median household income of $44,929, which is 18.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Marion?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Marion, the utilities index registers at 20.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Marion, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 4.95%.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Marion, the housing index is 29.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Marion cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Marion Area
Search Homes for Sale in Marion, IL

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Marion is 5% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Marion is 9% lower than the national average
  • Marion housing is 29% 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 Marion

See all the best places to live around Marion

Compare Marion, IL Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Marion?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Marion?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Marion poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$70,417$5,868$1,643$2,113
      Renters$30,920$2,577$721$928
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Marion, IL, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Marion homeowners, is $70,417. This would allow for a maximum of $1,643 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $30,920 which would result in a maximum of $721 to be spent on rental 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Marion National avg. Difference
      Haircut $25.34$24.264.4%
      Beauty Salon $44.12$45.563.2%
      Toothpaste $3.70$3.700.0%
      Shampoo $1.23$1.283.9%
      Movie $13.11$12.138.1%
      Bowling $16.17$18.0010.2%

      Groceries

      Item Marion National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.74$5.841.8%
      Fried Chicken $1.37$1.5713.2%
      Milk $4.50$4.673.7%
      Potatoes $5.13$4.933.9%
      Pizza $11.24$12.097.0%
      Beer $9.75$10.416.4%

      Health Care

      Item Marion National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $94.06$125.6825.2%
      Doctor $105.07$135.7822.6%
      Dentist $103.51$113.298.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.26$10.653.7%
      Lipitor $470.38$468.600.4%

      Housing

      Item Marion National avg. Difference
      Home Price $125,600.00$184,700.0032.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,772.15$2,346.6924.5%
      Apartment Rent $728.00$949.0023.3%

      Transportation

      Item Marion National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.25$3.466.1%
      Tire Balancing $50.23$59.9216.2%

      Utilities

      Item Marion National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $259.32$193.9933.7%
      Phone $189.86$192.251.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      New Burnside, IL1327822.1%
      Hurst, IL7567623.9%
      Zeigler, IL1,7797723.3%
      Bush, IL3037723.2%
      Orient, IL4348118.5%
      Marion, IL17,539918.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Godfrey, IL17,540936.7%
      Lithia Springs, GA17,545927.8%
      Bostonia, CA17,53213939.2%
      Wantagh, NY17,54816059.9%
      Manassas Park, VA17,54812525.2%
      Marion, IL17,539918.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.