Jonesboro, IL vs Thayer, IL
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
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)