Hillsboro, IL vs Jonesboro, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Jonesboro is 22.6% cheaper than Hillsboro. With a cost index of 55 vs 67, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Jonesboro to Hillsboro should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hillsboro is $841/month compared to $498/month in Jonesboro — a 69% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Jonesboro has cheaper rent, Hillsboro actually has lower median home values ($95,800 vs $114,400).

Median household income in Hillsboro is $48,158 compared to $58,309 in Jonesboro (-17.4%). Jonesboro offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hillsboro spend roughly 21% of their income on rent, more than the 10.2% in Jonesboro.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54°F vs 56.4°F). Jonesboro receives more rainfall at 44" per year compared to 38" in Hillsboro.