Diamond, IL vs Forrest, IL

The cost of living difference between Diamond, IL and Forrest, IL is dramatic. Forrest is 45.1% cheaper than Diamond, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Diamond has a cost index of 90 while Forrest sits at 62, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Diamond is $1,224/month compared to $663/month in Forrest — a 85% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Forrest is more affordable at $104,000 median vs $211,500.

Median household income in Diamond is $60,000 compared to $70,417 in Forrest (-14.8%). Forrest offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Diamond spend roughly 24.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.3% in Forrest.