Benton, IL vs Fairmont, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Benton is 28.4% cheaper than Fairmont. With a cost index of 64 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Benton to Fairmont should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Benton is $776/month compared to $1,372/month in Fairmont — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Benton is more affordable at $85,100 median vs $147,400.

Median household income in Benton is $51,349 compared to $59,244 in Fairmont (-13.3%). Fairmont does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Benton spend roughly 18.1% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Fairmont.