Fairview Heights, IL vs Plainfield, IL

The cost of living difference between Fairview Heights, IL and Plainfield, IL is dramatic. Fairview Heights is 34.3% cheaper than Plainfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fairview Heights has a cost index of 83 while Plainfield sits at 126, 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 $1,889/month in Plainfield — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairview Heights is more affordable at $166,800 median vs $398,000.

Median household income in Fairview Heights is $77,960 compared to $142,265 in Plainfield (-45.2%). While Plainfield 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, more than the 15.9% in Plainfield.

Climate-wise, Fairview Heights is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 49.4°F in Plainfield. Fairview Heights receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 33.8" in Plainfield.