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Cost of Living in St. Clair County

Is it better to rent or buy in St. Clair 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.

$82,308
$1,162/mo

Median in area: $1,162

$189,896

Median in area: $189,896

$37,979

If you Rent

🔑
$1,406 /mo
Base Rent$1,162
Est. Utilities$244
% of Income20.5%
Pre-tax Residual$5,453

If you Buy

🏠
$1,660 /mo
P&I (7.074%)$1,018
Taxes & Ins$398
Est. Utilities$244
% of Income24.2%
Pre-tax Residual$5,199

Compare Nearby Areas

See how St. Clair County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyRandolph County, IL
$809/mo
countyWashington County, IL
$795/mo
countyClinton County, IL
$887/mo
countyMadison County, IL
$1,074/mo
countyMonroe County, IL
$985/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in St. Clair County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in St. Clair County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,406, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,660 per month (a difference of $254).

How much do utilities cost in St. Clair County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in St. Clair County is approximately $244. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in St. Clair County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in St. Clair County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $56,240 per year.