Marion, IL vs Vandalia, IL

Vandalia is moderately more affordable than Marion, with a 14% lower cost of living index. Marion scores 72 compared to 63 for Vandalia, 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 Marion is $878/month compared to $738/month in Vandalia — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Vandalia is more affordable at $88,800 median vs $145,300.

Median household income in Marion is $57,281 compared to $43,184 in Vandalia (+32.6%). 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 Marion spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, less than the 20.5% in Vandalia.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (56.4°F vs 57.7°F). Marion receives more rainfall at 44" per year compared to 43.4" in Vandalia.