Albany, IL vs Preston Heights, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Albany is 20.3% cheaper than Preston Heights. With a cost index of 68 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Albany to Preston Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Albany is $721/month compared to $1,232/month in Preston Heights — a 42% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Albany has cheaper rent, Preston Heights actually has lower median home values ($141,400 vs $147,800).

Median household income in Albany is $68,750 compared to $51,970 in Preston Heights (+32.3%). Albany offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Albany spend roughly 12.6% of their income on rent, less than the 28.4% in Preston Heights.