Malden, IL vs Walnut, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Walnut is 22.7% cheaper than Malden. With a cost index of 59 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Walnut to Malden should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Malden is $1,014/month compared to $591/month in Walnut — a 72% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Walnut is more affordable at $94,700 median vs $102,600.

Median household income in Malden is $69,327 compared to $62,019 in Walnut (+11.8%). The higher salaries in Malden partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Malden spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Walnut.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.8°F vs 47.8°F). Walnut receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 37.4" in Malden.