Essex, IL vs Kangley, IL

The cost of living difference between Essex, IL and Kangley, IL is dramatic. Kangley is 38.2% cheaper than Essex, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Essex has a cost index of 85 while Kangley 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 Essex is $1,147/month compared to $663/month in Kangley — a 73% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kangley is more affordable at $95,700 median vs $219,000.

Median household income in Essex is $101,094 compared to $91,875 in Kangley (+10%). Essex does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Essex spend roughly 13.6% of their income on rent, more than the 8.7% in Kangley.

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