DeKalb, IL vs Morton, IL

DeKalb, IL and Morton, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.3% difference in their overall index. DeKalb scores 84 while Morton scores 81 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 $1,001/month in Morton — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Morton has cheaper rent, DeKalb actually has lower median home values ($202,900 vs $238,900).

Median household income in DeKalb is $46,564 compared to $87,760 in Morton (-46.9%). Morton 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 13.7% in Morton.