Hillsboro, IL vs Marion, IL

Hillsboro is moderately more affordable than Marion, with a 7.2% lower cost of living index. Hillsboro scores 67 compared to 72 for Marion, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Marion can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hillsboro is $841/month compared to $878/month in Marion — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hillsboro is more affordable at $95,800 median vs $145,300.

Median household income in Hillsboro is $48,158 compared to $57,281 in Marion (-15.9%). While Marion is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hillsboro spend roughly 21% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Marion.

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