Fulton, IL vs Wood River, IL

Fulton, IL and Wood River, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Fulton scores 73 while Wood River scores 69 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 $915/month in Wood River — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wood River is more affordable at $103,200 median vs $124,400.

Median household income in Fulton is $42,452 compared to $65,960 in Wood River (-35.6%). Wood River 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 16.6% in Wood River.