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Jonesboro, IL vs Thayer, IL

55
Jonesboro
Illinois
VS
-18.2%
67
Thayer
Illinois

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Jonesboro is 18.2% cheaper than Thayer. 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 Thayer should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Jonesboro is $498/month compared to $919/month in Thayer — a 46% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Jonesboro has cheaper rent, Thayer actually has lower median home values ($87,300 vs $114,400).

Median household income in Jonesboro is $58,309 compared to $63,125 in Thayer (-7.6%). Thayer does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Jonesboro spend roughly 10.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.5% in Thayer.

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

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Jonesboro
55
18% cheaper
Thayer
67
Median Household Income
Jonesboro
$58,309
Thayer
$63,125
8% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Jonesboro
$498
46% cheaper
Thayer
$919
Median Home Value
Jonesboro
$114,400
Thayer
$87,300
24% cheaper
Population
Jonesboro
1,912
Thayer
638

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Jonesboro $2.96
Thayer $2.85
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Jonesboro $2.41
Thayer $2.33
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Jonesboro $3.89
Thayer $3.75
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Jonesboro $1.79
Thayer $1.72
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Jonesboro $4.00
Thayer $3.86
US $4.14
Electricity
Jonesboro $0.17
Thayer $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Jonesboro 56.4°F
Thayer 54°F
Summer High
Jonesboro 88°F
Thayer 87°F
Winter Low
Jonesboro 25°F
Thayer 20°F
Rainfall
Jonesboro 44"
Thayer 38"
Rainy Days
Jonesboro 130d
Thayer 115d