Benton, IL vs Montgomery, IL

The cost of living difference between Benton, IL and Montgomery, IL is dramatic. Benton is 44.5% cheaper than Montgomery, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Benton has a cost index of 64 while Montgomery sits at 116, 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 Benton is $776/month compared to $1,897/month in Montgomery — a 59% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Benton is more affordable at $85,100 median vs $270,700.

Median household income in Benton is $51,349 compared to $96,985 in Montgomery (-47.1%). While Montgomery is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Benton spend roughly 18.1% of their income on rent, less than the 23.5% in Montgomery.