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Cape Girardeau, MO-IL

Cost of living in Alexander County, IL

Part of the Cape Girardeau Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,713/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 5,042 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $794 29%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $404 15%
Groceries $345 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $177 7%
State tax $143 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Alexander County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$747
per month
1 bedroom
$794
per month
2 bedroom
$985
per month
3 bedroom
$1,380
per month
4 bedroom
$1,654
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Alexander County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$43,523
per year
Individual earnings
$34,743
per year
Per capita
$25,261
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Alexander County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$58,700
Annual property tax
$966

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Alexander County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$116
per month · 16.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$61
per month
Annual total
$2,124
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Alexander County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
11.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Alexander County

State and local tax rates for Illinois.

State income tax
5.0%
Flat rate
State sales tax
6.3%
Combined sales tax
8.8%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Alexander County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
31.5 min
Drive alone
85.4%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
3.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Alexander County

What it costs to live in Alexander County each month.

Single person
$2,713
per month
  • Rent $794
  • Energy $177
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $345
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $404
  • State tax $143
Couple
$3,690
per month
  • Rent $985
  • Energy $212
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $572
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $397
  • State tax $180
Family
$6,230
per month
  • Rent $1,380
  • Energy $266
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $867
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $397
  • State tax $180

Frequently asked questions about Alexander County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Alexander County?

In Alexander County, IL, a one-bedroom apartment averages $794 per month, a two-bedroom averages $985 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,380 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Alexander County?

In Alexander County, IL, the average household income is $43,523 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $34,743 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Alexander County?

The estimated cost of living in Alexander County, IL is approximately $2,713 per month for a single person, $3,690 for a couple, $6,230 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Alexander County?

The combined sales tax rate in Alexander County, IL is 8.82%, which includes the Illinois state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 2.57%.

Is Alexander County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Alexander County, IL would need approximately $2,713 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $43,523 per year ($3,627 per month). Alexander County has a high cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Alexander County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Alexander County, IL is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Alexander County?

The average home value in Alexander County, IL is $58,700, with average annual property taxes of $966, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Alexander County compare to other areas?

You can compare Alexander County, IL with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Alexander County is in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL metro area.

Other counties in Illinois

Browse the full list of counties in Illinois, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Illinois

Compare Alexander County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources