United States flag

Murphysboro, IL, United States

Murphysboro, IL, United States Hero Image
Wikipedia Contributor, CC BY-SA

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

Follows United States Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

87
FIRE
80
Retiree
76
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 87)

Coal mining built this place, but that's mostly gone. Now Murphysboro runs on tourism, retail, and service work—the Liberty Theater hosts events, there's heritage tourism around Civil War sites, and the 2017 solar eclipse put it on the map briefly. Real jobs are thin; most people either work locally in hospitality and small business or commute to larger towns. Don't expect a robust job market unless you're remote or self-employed.

Rent runs $558/month for a one-bedroom downtown, which is genuinely cheap. You'll need a car—public transit is minimal and distances to bigger cities (St. Louis is 100 miles away) mean driving for serious services. Healthcare exists but isn't comprehensive; serious issues require travel. No language barrier, obviously, but bureaucracy is standard small-town Illinois. Winter hits hard (30°F lows), summer is humid and hot (85°F+).

Summers are humid and sticky; winters are cold and gray. Food is standard Midwest diner fare—don't expect culinary excitement. The expat community is essentially nonexistent; you'll be among locals and retirees. Weekends mean exploring nearby Shawnee National Forest, catching events at the theater, or driving to Carbondale for more options. This suits remote workers seeking rock-bottom cost of living and small-town quiet, not people seeking career growth or urban amenities.

Estimate the cost of moving to Murphysboro, IL, United States

Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Murphysboro, IL, United States. Takes 10 seconds.

How much are you shipping?

When are you moving?

Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.

🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,303/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Murphysboro, IL at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,303 a month for one adult, with $558 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $201 on groceries, $183 on dining out, $99.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $262 on utilities and connectivity.

Rent

$558/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$201/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$183/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$99.00/mo

2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$262/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$745/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $633.33/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

See low-fee transfers

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Murphysboro, IL's cost of living compares with Nome, AK

Be the first to report costs in Murphysboro, IL

Share

🛡️ Safety & Crime

82
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

18
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Murphysboro is a genuinely safe small town where expats can expect a quiet, low-crime environment. Day-to-day life feels secure, and walking at night is generally safe, though the town's small size means limited nightlife and fewer people out after dark. The Safety Index of 82 reflects a community where violent crime is rare and property crime is minimal—this is a place where neighbors know each other and community policing is effective.

Crime here is minimal and typically petty in nature. Property theft and vehicle break-ins occur occasionally but at rates well below national averages. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods to avoid within this small town. Solo female travelers and residents face virtually no gender-specific safety concerns. The main risks are standard small-town issues: occasional drunk driving and minor vandalism rather than organized crime or street violence.

Murphysboro presents no geopolitical risks or political instability concerns. Local law enforcement is reliable and responsive. For Americans considering relocation, this is an exceptionally safe choice—ideal if you prioritize security and community stability over urban amenities. The trade-off is limited cultural diversity, entertainment options, and services typical of rural Illinois. It's a straightforward, secure place to live with minimal safety concerns.

🏥 Healthcare

Good
Public Hospitals
No
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Murphysboro, IL's healthcare compares with Nome, AK

🌤️ Climate

Climate Zones
Subtropical
Summer Temp
27°C
Winter Temp
2°C
Humidity
68%
Air Quality Index
52
Annual Rainfall
1134 mm

Best Months

AprMayOctNov

Climate Notes

Murphysboro has a humid continental climate with hot, muggy summers (June-August) and cold winters with occasional snow, offering distinct seasonal changes typical of southern Illinois.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
45 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$39/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
76/100

Community Notes

A quaint Midwestern town with a budding startup scene.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
The Workspace at SIULocated within the Southern Illinois University Research Park, this coworking space offers a professional environment with access to university resources. It's a good option for those seeking a more academic or research-oriented vibe, and is close to the university's main campus.
Regus CarbondaleWhile technically in Carbondale, it's a short drive from Murphysboro and offers the reliability of a Regus location. Located in the University Mall, it provides a professional setting with various amenities and is easily accessible.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Working remotely from Murphysboro, IL? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

See nomad insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Murphysboro, IL's digital nomad life compares with Nome, AK

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
large
Banks Nearby
6
ATMs Nearby
0

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Murphysboro, IL

Areas of Murphysboro, IL that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Downtown Murphysboro

Historic, local business core

The heart of Murphysboro, featuring local shops, restaurants, and the historic courthouse. While not specifically expat-focused, it offers a genuine small-town American experience. Walkable, but limited public transit; best suited for those seeking immersion in local culture.

Northwest Murphysboro

Quiet residential, family-oriented

Primarily residential, with single-family homes and a slower pace of life. Offers a safe and peaceful environment, but requires a car for most errands. Not particularly geared towards expats, but a good option for retirees seeking tranquility.

Southeast Murphysboro

Mix of residential, industrial

A more mixed-use area with residential streets interspersed with some industrial and commercial activity. Generally more affordable, but potentially less aesthetically pleasing than other areas. Car dependent and not particularly expat-centric.

Oak Grove

Established residential, spacious lots

A more established residential area with larger properties and mature trees. Offers a sense of privacy and space. Requires a car for most errands and lacks specific expat amenities, but provides a comfortable suburban lifestyle.

Page 1 of 2

Could living/working in Murphysboro, IL cut years off your work life?

With a 1-bedroom in the center at $633/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.

Calculate My FIRE Date →

🛂 Visa Options for United States

Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.

Compare health insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

🛂

Not sure which United States visa you qualify for?

Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.

Find My Visa

More Cities to Consider instead of Murphysboro, IL

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Murphysboro, IL

Click any question to expand the answer.

Share This Guide