Bellwood, IL vs Normal, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Normal is 16.3% cheaper than Bellwood. With a cost index of 78 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Normal 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 $974/month in Normal — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Normal is more affordable at $199,900 median vs $219,600.

Median household income in Bellwood is $76,990 compared to $66,350 in Normal (+16%). The higher salaries in Bellwood partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellwood spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Normal.