Elmwood, IL vs Pontoon Beach, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elmwood is 15.8% cheaper than Pontoon Beach. With a cost index of 66 vs 78, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elmwood to Pontoon Beach should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elmwood is $761/month compared to $1,117/month in Pontoon Beach — a 32% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elmwood has cheaper rent, Pontoon Beach actually has lower median home values ($137,900 vs $144,600).

Median household income in Elmwood is $87,644 compared to $59,375 in Pontoon Beach (+47.6%). Elmwood offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elmwood spend roughly 10.4% of their income on rent, less than the 22.6% in Pontoon Beach.

Climate-wise, Pontoon Beach is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 52.7°F in Elmwood. Pontoon Beach receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 37.6" in Elmwood.