DeKalb, IL vs Mount Vernon, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Mount Vernon is 23.1% cheaper than DeKalb. With a cost index of 68 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Mount Vernon 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 $893/month in Mount Vernon — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mount Vernon is more affordable at $89,700 median vs $202,900.

Median household income in DeKalb is $46,564 compared to $52,751 in Mount Vernon (-11.7%). Mount Vernon 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 20.3% in Mount Vernon.