Hardin, IL vs Preston Heights, IL

The cost of living difference between Hardin, IL and Preston Heights, IL is dramatic. Hardin is 37.2% cheaper than Preston Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hardin has a cost index of 53 while Preston Heights sits at 85, 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 Hardin is $417/month compared to $1,232/month in Preston Heights — a 66% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hardin is more affordable at $90,500 median vs $141,400.

Median household income in Hardin is $85,417 compared to $51,970 in Preston Heights (+64.4%). Hardin offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hardin spend roughly 5.9% of their income on rent, less than the 28.4% in Preston Heights.

Climate-wise, Hardin is notably warmer with an average of 56.1°F compared to 52.1°F in Preston Heights. Hardin receives more rainfall at 39.4" per year compared to 34.4" in Preston Heights.