Markham, IL vs Sparta, IL

The cost of living difference between Markham, IL and Sparta, IL is dramatic. Sparta is 48.2% cheaper than Markham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Markham has a cost index of 97 while Sparta 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 $722/month in Sparta — a 134% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Sparta has cheaper rent, Markham actually has lower median home values ($119,500 vs $120,500).

Median household income in Markham is $52,364 compared to $63,401 in Sparta (-17.4%). Sparta 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 13.7% in Sparta. The Sparta ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Sparta is notably warmer with an average of 57.7°F compared to 52.1°F in Markham. Sparta receives more rainfall at 43.4" per year compared to 34.4" in Markham.