Bismarck, IL vs Malta, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bismarck is 17.7% cheaper than Malta. With a cost index of 67 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bismarck to Malta should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bismarck is $817/month compared to $1,036/month in Malta — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bismarck is more affordable at $110,300 median vs $178,900.

Median household income in Bismarck is $76,875 compared to $83,611 in Malta (-8.1%). Malta 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 Bismarck spend roughly 12.8% of their income on rent, less than the 14.9% in Malta.