Essex, IL vs Lena, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lena is 29.2% cheaper than Essex. With a cost index of 66 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lena 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 $647/month in Lena — a 77% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lena is more affordable at $154,000 median vs $219,000.

Median household income in Essex is $101,094 compared to $76,076 in Lena (+32.9%). 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, more than the 10.2% in Lena.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 49.4°F). Lena receives more rainfall at 37.2" per year compared to 33.8" in Essex.