Markham, IL vs Pekin, IL

The cost of living difference between Markham, IL and Pekin, IL is dramatic. Pekin is 49.5% cheaper than Markham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Markham has a cost index of 97 while Pekin sits at 65, 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 $792/month in Pekin — a 113% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pekin is more affordable at $118,200 median vs $119,500.

Median household income in Markham is $52,364 compared to $58,355 in Pekin (-10.3%). Pekin 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 16.3% in Pekin. The Pekin 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 52.7°F). Pekin receives more rainfall at 37.6" per year compared to 34.4" in Markham.