Arcola, IL vs Essex, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Arcola is 19.5% cheaper than Essex. With a cost index of 69 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Arcola to Essex should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arcola is $819/month compared to $1,147/month in Essex — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arcola is more affordable at $122,800 median vs $219,000.

Median household income in Arcola is $85,697 compared to $101,094 in Essex (-15.2%). The higher salaries in Essex partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Arcola spend roughly 11.5% of their income on rent, less than the 13.6% in Essex.