Fulton, IL vs Highland, IL

Fulton, IL and Highland, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Fulton scores 73 while Highland scores 72 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 Fulton is $956/month compared to $776/month in Highland — a 23% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Highland has cheaper rent, Fulton actually has lower median home values ($124,400 vs $185,800).

Median household income in Fulton is $42,452 compared to $77,886 in Highland (-45.5%). Highland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fulton spend roughly 27% of their income on rent, more than the 12% in Highland.

Climate-wise, Highland is notably warmer with an average of 57.7°F compared to 49.9°F in Fulton. Highland receives more rainfall at 43.4" per year compared to 36.2" in Fulton.