Ashland, IL vs Diamond, IL

The cost of living difference between Ashland, IL and Diamond, IL is dramatic. Ashland is 34.1% cheaper than Diamond, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ashland has a cost index of 60 while Diamond sits at 90, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashland is $575/month compared to $1,224/month in Diamond — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ashland is more affordable at $104,000 median vs $211,500.

Median household income in Ashland is $62,417 compared to $60,000 in Diamond (+4%). Ashland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ashland spend roughly 11.1% of their income on rent, less than the 24.5% in Diamond.