Auburn, IL vs Thomson, IL

Auburn, IL and Thomson, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.2% difference in their overall index. Auburn scores 71 while Thomson scores 72 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 Auburn is $911/month compared to $940/month in Thomson — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Auburn has cheaper rent, Thomson actually has lower median home values ($122,300 vs $145,400).

Median household income in Auburn is $79,475 compared to $54,063 in Thomson (+47%). Auburn offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 13.8% of their income on rent, less than the 20.9% in Thomson.