Bellwood, IL vs Monticello, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Monticello is 15% cheaper than Bellwood. With a cost index of 79 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Monticello to Bellwood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bellwood is $1,221/month compared to $1,030/month in Monticello — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Monticello is more affordable at $196,000 median vs $219,600.

Median household income in Bellwood is $76,990 compared to $88,611 in Monticello (-13.1%). Monticello offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellwood spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 13.9% in Monticello.