DeKalb, IL vs Mattoon, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Mattoon is 29.5% cheaper than DeKalb. With a cost index of 65 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Mattoon to DeKalb should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in DeKalb is $1,030/month compared to $764/month in Mattoon — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mattoon is more affordable at $96,000 median vs $202,900.

Median household income in DeKalb is $46,564 compared to $47,308 in Mattoon (-1.6%). Mattoon 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 19.4% in Mattoon.