Fairfield, IL vs Hillcrest, IL

The cost of living difference between Fairfield, IL and Hillcrest, IL is dramatic. Fairfield is 30.4% cheaper than Hillcrest, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairfield has a cost index of 58 while Hillcrest sits at 83, 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 Fairfield is $558/month compared to $1,158/month in Hillcrest — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairfield is more affordable at $91,800 median vs $151,900.

Median household income in Fairfield is $41,026 compared to $77,609 in Hillcrest (-47.1%). While Hillcrest is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairfield spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 17.9% in Hillcrest.

Climate-wise, Fairfield is notably warmer with an average of 55.7°F compared to 47.8°F in Hillcrest. Fairfield receives more rainfall at 41.7" per year compared to 37.4" in Hillcrest.