Essex, IL vs Madison, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Madison is 25% cheaper than Essex. With a cost index of 68 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Madison 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 $1,010/month in Madison — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Madison is more affordable at $51,200 median vs $219,000.

Median household income in Essex is $101,094 compared to $44,181 in Madison (+128.8%). 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 27.4% in Madison.

Climate-wise, Madison is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 49.4°F in Essex. Madison receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 33.8" in Essex.