Arcola, IL vs Hamel, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Arcola is 15.2% cheaper than Hamel. With a cost index of 69 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Arcola to Hamel should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arcola is $819/month compared to $940/month in Hamel — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arcola is more affordable at $122,800 median vs $231,900.

Median household income in Arcola is $85,697 compared to $105,313 in Hamel (-18.6%). While Hamel is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arcola spend roughly 11.5% of their income on rent, more than the 10.7% in Hamel.