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Cost of Living in Lee County

Is it better to rent or buy in Lee 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.

$72,313
$906/mo

Median in area: $906

$156,002

Median in area: $156,002

$31,200

If you Rent

🔑
$1,160 /mo
Base Rent$906
Est. Utilities$254
% of Income19.2%
Pre-tax Residual$4,866

If you Buy

🏠
$1,446 /mo
P&I (7.214%)$848
Taxes & Ins$344
Est. Utilities$254
% of Income24.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,580

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Lee County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyLaSalle County, IL
$983/mo
countyDeKalb County, IL
$1,122/mo
countyWhiteside County, IL
$912/mo
countyBureau County, IL
$864/mo
countyOgle County, IL
$958/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Lee County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Lee County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,160, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,446 per month (a difference of $286).

How much do utilities cost in Lee County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Lee County is approximately $254. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Lee County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Lee County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,400 per year.