Ashkum, IL vs Elmwood, IL

Ashkum, IL and Elmwood, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Ashkum scores 69 while Elmwood scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashkum is $790/month compared to $761/month in Elmwood — a 4% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elmwood has cheaper rent, Ashkum actually has lower median home values ($136,500 vs $144,600).

Median household income in Ashkum is $67,500 compared to $87,644 in Elmwood (-23%). Elmwood offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ashkum spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, more than the 10.4% in Elmwood.