Hazel Crest, IL vs Watseka, IL

The cost of living difference between Hazel Crest, IL and Watseka, IL is dramatic. Watseka is 41.1% cheaper than Hazel Crest, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hazel Crest has a cost index of 94 while Watseka sits at 67, 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 Hazel Crest is $1,439/month compared to $815/month in Watseka — a 77% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Watseka is more affordable at $104,400 median vs $181,400.

Median household income in Hazel Crest is $62,773 compared to $42,794 in Watseka (+46.7%). While Hazel Crest is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hazel Crest spend roughly 27.5% of their income on rent, more than the 22.9% in Watseka.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 52.3°F). Watseka receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 34.4" in Hazel Crest.