Eureka, IL vs Sterling, IL

Eureka, IL and Sterling, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.6% difference in their overall index. Eureka scores 64 while Sterling scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Eureka is $680/month compared to $780/month in Sterling — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Eureka has cheaper rent, Sterling actually has lower median home values ($107,800 vs $154,600).

Median household income in Eureka is $55,172 compared to $52,647 in Sterling (+4.8%). Eureka offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Eureka spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Sterling.

Climate-wise, Eureka is notably warmer with an average of 52.7°F compared to 49.4°F in Sterling. Eureka receives more rainfall at 37.6" per year compared to 37.2" in Sterling.