Mattoon, IL vs Plainfield, IL

The cost of living difference between Mattoon, IL and Plainfield, IL is dramatic. Mattoon is 48.6% cheaper than Plainfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Mattoon has a cost index of 65 while Plainfield sits at 126, 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 Mattoon is $764/month compared to $1,889/month in Plainfield — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mattoon is more affordable at $96,000 median vs $398,000.

Median household income in Mattoon is $47,308 compared to $142,265 in Plainfield (-66.7%). While Plainfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mattoon spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.9% in Plainfield.

Climate-wise, Mattoon is notably warmer with an average of 53.4°F compared to 49.4°F in Plainfield. Mattoon receives more rainfall at 36" per year compared to 33.8" in Plainfield.