Central City, IL vs Johnston City, IL

Central City, IL and Johnston City, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.9% difference in their overall index. Central City scores 64 while Johnston City scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Central City is $888/month compared to $830/month in Johnston City — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Johnston City has cheaper rent, Central City actually has lower median home values ($43,900 vs $84,500).

Median household income in Central City is $47,750 compared to $46,629 in Johnston City (+2.4%). Central City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Central City spend roughly 22.3% of their income on rent, more than the 21.4% in Johnston City.