Brookfield, IL vs Murphysboro, IL

The cost of living difference between Brookfield, IL and Murphysboro, IL is dramatic. Murphysboro is 69.8% cheaper than Brookfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookfield has a cost index of 102 while Murphysboro sits at 60, 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 Brookfield is $1,328/month compared to $655/month in Murphysboro — a 103% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Murphysboro is more affordable at $79,600 median vs $314,000.

Median household income in Brookfield is $108,429 compared to $42,367 in Murphysboro (+155.9%). While Brookfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookfield spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, less than the 18.6% in Murphysboro.