DeKalb, IL vs Fairview Heights, IL

DeKalb, IL and Fairview Heights, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. DeKalb scores 84 while Fairview Heights scores 83 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 DeKalb is $1,030/month compared to $1,177/month in Fairview Heights — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while DeKalb has cheaper rent, Fairview Heights actually has lower median home values ($166,800 vs $202,900).

Median household income in DeKalb is $46,564 compared to $77,960 in Fairview Heights (-40.3%). Fairview Heights offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of DeKalb spend roughly 26.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.1% in Fairview Heights.