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Cost of Living in Coles County

Is it better to rent or buy in Coles County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$59,976
$787/mo

Median in area: $787

$135,461

Median in area: $135,461

$27,092

If you Rent

🔑
$994 /mo
Base Rent$787
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income19.9%
Pre-tax Residual$4,004

If you Buy

🏠
$1,232 /mo
P&I (7.305%)$743
Taxes & Ins$282
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income24.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,766

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Coles County stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Coles County?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Coles County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $994, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,232 per month (a difference of $238).

How much do utilities cost in Coles County?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Coles County is approximately $207. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Coles County?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Coles County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $39,760 per year.