Braidwood, IL vs Lexington, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lexington is 25.1% cheaper than Braidwood. With a cost index of 69 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lexington to Braidwood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Braidwood is $1,089/month compared to $734/month in Lexington — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lexington is more affordable at $171,600 median vs $205,900.

Median household income in Braidwood is $83,365 compared to $98,676 in Lexington (-15.5%). Lexington offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Braidwood spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, more than the 8.9% in Lexington.