Berkeley, IL vs Orion, IL

The cost of living difference between Berkeley, IL and Orion, IL is dramatic. Orion is 35.7% cheaper than Berkeley, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Berkeley has a cost index of 93 while Orion sits at 69, 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 Berkeley is $1,292/month compared to $783/month in Orion — a 65% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Orion is more affordable at $168,300 median vs $222,400.

Median household income in Berkeley is $83,224 compared to $88,500 in Orion (-6%). Orion offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Berkeley spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, more than the 10.6% in Orion.