Essex, IL vs Hamilton, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hamilton is 23% cheaper than Essex. With a cost index of 69 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hamilton to Essex should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Essex is $1,147/month compared to $888/month in Hamilton — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hamilton is more affordable at $105,600 median vs $219,000.

Median household income in Essex is $101,094 compared to $53,487 in Hamilton (+89%). While Essex is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Essex spend roughly 13.6% of their income on rent, less than the 19.9% in Hamilton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 51.9°F). Hamilton receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 33.8" in Essex.