Essex, IL vs McLeansboro, IL

The cost of living difference between Essex, IL and McLeansboro, IL is dramatic. McLeansboro is 51.6% cheaper than Essex, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Essex has a cost index of 85 while McLeansboro sits at 56, 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 $548/month in McLeansboro — a 109% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McLeansboro is more affordable at $72,200 median vs $219,000.

Median household income in Essex is $101,094 compared to $46,589 in McLeansboro (+117%). 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 14.1% in McLeansboro.

Climate-wise, McLeansboro is notably warmer with an average of 56.4°F compared to 49.4°F in Essex. McLeansboro receives more rainfall at 44" per year compared to 33.8" in Essex.