Elmwood, IL vs West Salem, IL

Elmwood, IL and West Salem, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Elmwood scores 66 while West Salem scores 63 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 Elmwood is $761/month compared to $805/month in West Salem — a 6% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elmwood has cheaper rent, West Salem actually has lower median home values ($65,800 vs $144,600).

Median household income in Elmwood is $87,644 compared to $50,500 in West Salem (+73.6%). While Elmwood is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elmwood spend roughly 10.4% of their income on rent, less than the 19.1% in West Salem.

Climate-wise, West Salem is notably warmer with an average of 55.7°F compared to 52.7°F in Elmwood. West Salem receives more rainfall at 41.7" per year compared to 37.6" in Elmwood.