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Cost of Living in East St. Louis

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

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$41,080
$922/mo

Median in area: $922

$56,004

Median in area: $56,004

$11,201

If you Rent

🔑
$1,165 /mo
Base Rent$922
Est. Utilities$243
% of Income34.0%
Pre-tax Residual$2,258

If you Buy

🏠
$697 /mo
P&I (6.827%)$293
Taxes & Ins$161
Est. Utilities$243
% of Income20.4%
Pre-tax Residual$2,726

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in East St. Louis?

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in East St. Louis. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,165, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $697 per month (a difference of $468).

How much do utilities cost in East St. Louis?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in East St. Louis is approximately $243. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in East St. Louis?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in East St. Louis without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,600 per year.