Fairbury, IL vs Fox Lake, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fairbury is 21.2% cheaper than Fox Lake. With a cost index of 68 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fairbury to Fox Lake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairbury is $750/month compared to $1,059/month in Fox Lake — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairbury is more affordable at $155,900 median vs $219,300.

Median household income in Fairbury is $65,215 compared to $69,896 in Fox Lake (-6.7%). Fox Lake 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 Fairbury spend roughly 13.8% of their income on rent, less than the 18.2% in Fox Lake.

Climate-wise, Fairbury is notably warmer with an average of 52.3°F compared to 48.3°F in Fox Lake. Fairbury receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 35.3" in Fox Lake.