Aledo, IL vs Columbia, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Aledo is 26.7% cheaper than Columbia. With a cost index of 66 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Aledo to Columbia should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Aledo is $770/month compared to $1,089/month in Columbia — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Aledo is more affordable at $140,000 median vs $290,100.

Median household income in Aledo is $62,829 compared to $107,922 in Columbia (-41.8%). While Columbia is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Aledo spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, more than the 12.1% in Columbia.