With the cost of living steadily rising, many residents in the metro-east are finding it harder to make ends meet. While Illinois recently increased its minimum wage to $15 per hour for non-tipped workers, it still falls short of what many families need to cover basic expenses. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to afford a living wage in the region and how it compares to neighboring areas.
The Rising Cost of Living
The cost of essential goods and services has risen nationwide over the past year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Overall costs increased by 2.9%, impacting households across the country.
Food prices rose by 2.5%, making groceries a heavier burden on families.
Energy costs climbed by 3.3%, including electricity and gas bills.
Housing costs increased by 4.6%, with the median rent in Illinois now standing at $1,700, according to Zillow.
Fuel prices are also a concern. As of January 21, 2025, the average gas price in Illinois is $3.278 per gallon, compared to $2.82 in neighboring Missouri, according to AAA.
Illinois vs. Missouri Minimum Wage
While Illinois has raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour for non-tipped workers and $9 per hour for tipped employees, Missouri’s minimum wage stands at $13.75 per hour for non-tipped workers and $6.875 per hour for tipped employees. Despite these increases, many residents still struggle to afford basic living expenses.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a Living Wage Calculator that estimates how much residents need to earn to cover necessities. For a single adult without children in Illinois, the living wage is $22.86 per hour. This figure increases significantly for families with children.
Living Wages in Metro-East Counties
Here’s a breakdown of the hourly wages residents need to earn in metro-east counties to afford basic living expenses, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator:
St. Clair County
$20.85 for a single adult with no children (up $4.35 since November 2023)
$36.44 for a single adult with one child
$46.65 for a single adult with two children
$14.37 each for two working adults with no children
$20.54 each for two working adults with one child (up $1.48 since November 2023)
Madison County
$20.58 for a single adult with no children (up $4.08 since November 2023)
$36.04 for a single adult with one child
$46.20 for a single adult with two children
$20.33 each for two working adults with one child (up $1.14 since November 2023)
Monroe County
$21.52 for a single adult with no children (up $5.02 since November 2023)
$37.15 for a single adult with one child
$26.55 each for two working adults with two children
Comparing to St. Louis
Living wages in St. Louis are also increasing, reflecting national trends. In St. Louis City, a single adult with no children needs to earn $19.11 per hour, while in St. Louis County, this figure rises to $21.48. Families with children require even higher wages to maintain a basic standard of living.
Why Living Wages Matter
These rising costs highlight the gap between the minimum wage and what’s needed to live comfortably. Many workers earning minimum wage struggle to afford housing, food, healthcare, and other essentials, especially in areas like metro-east where living costs are climbing rapidly.
Efforts to Bridge the Gap
Advocacy for higher wages and support programs is ongoing in Illinois and Missouri. Community leaders are urging policymakers to focus on solutions that address the growing cost of living, including affordable housing initiatives, food assistance programs, and improved public transportation.
Disclaimer—Our team has checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing clear and reliable information for our readers.
