Gardner, IL vs Rochester, IL

Gardner is moderately more affordable than Rochester, with a 10.9% lower cost of living index. Gardner scores 82 compared to 92 for Rochester, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Rochester can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Gardner is $1,024/month compared to $1,333/month in Rochester — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gardner is more affordable at $183,300 median vs $241,900.

Median household income in Gardner is $82,125 compared to $112,689 in Rochester (-27.1%). While Rochester is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gardner spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, more than the 14.2% in Rochester.

Climate-wise, Rochester is notably warmer with an average of 54°F compared to 49.4°F in Gardner. Rochester receives more rainfall at 38" per year compared to 33.8" in Gardner.