Fairview Heights, IL vs Northfield, IL

The cost of living difference between Fairview Heights, IL and Northfield, IL is dramatic. Fairview Heights is 56.6% cheaper than Northfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairview Heights has a cost index of 83 while Northfield sits at 191, 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 Fairview Heights is $1,177/month compared to $2,917/month in Northfield — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairview Heights is more affordable at $166,800 median vs $807,700.

Median household income in Fairview Heights is $77,960 compared to $180,492 in Northfield (-56.8%). While Northfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairview Heights spend roughly 18.1% of their income on rent, less than the 19.4% in Northfield.

Climate-wise, Fairview Heights is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 50.8°F in Northfield. Fairview Heights receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 32.3" in Northfield.