Markham, IL vs St. Joseph, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. St. Joseph is 17.8% cheaper than Markham. With a cost index of 82 vs 97, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from St. Joseph to Markham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Markham is $1,689/month compared to $969/month in St. Joseph — a 74% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while St. Joseph has cheaper rent, Markham actually has lower median home values ($119,500 vs $257,400).

Median household income in Markham is $52,364 compared to $114,594 in St. Joseph (-54.3%). St. Joseph 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 10.1% in St. Joseph. The St. Joseph 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 52.5°F). St. Joseph receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 34.4" in Markham.