Markham, IL vs Marshall, IL

The cost of living difference between Markham, IL and Marshall, IL is dramatic. Marshall is 40.2% cheaper than Markham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Markham has a cost index of 97 while Marshall sits at 69, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Markham is $1,689/month compared to $850/month in Marshall — a 99% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marshall is more affordable at $118,500 median vs $119,500.

Median household income in Markham is $52,364 compared to $70,950 in Marshall (-26.2%). Marshall offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Markham spend roughly 38.7% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Marshall. The Marshall ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 53.5°F). Marshall receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 34.4" in Markham.