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McHenry, IL vs Peru, IL

102
McHenry
Illinois
VS
+39.2%
73
Peru
Illinois

The cost of living difference between McHenry, IL and Peru, IL is dramatic. Peru is 39.2% cheaper than McHenry, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McHenry has a cost index of 102 while Peru sits at 73, 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 McHenry is $1,508/month compared to $879/month in Peru — a 72% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peru is more affordable at $155,600 median vs $244,900.

Median household income in McHenry is $86,865 compared to $68,147 in Peru (+27.5%). The higher salaries in McHenry partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of McHenry spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Peru.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.3°F vs 47.8°F). Peru receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 35.3" in McHenry.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
McHenry
102
Peru
73
28% cheaper
Median Household Income
McHenry
$86,865
22% higher
Peru
$68,147

Housing

Median Rent
McHenry
$1,508
Peru
$879
42% cheaper
Median Home Value
McHenry
$244,900
Peru
$155,600
36% cheaper
Population
McHenry
27,774
Peru
9,863

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
McHenry $3.20
Peru
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
McHenry $2.61
Peru
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
McHenry $4.20
Peru
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
McHenry $1.93
Peru
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
McHenry $4.32
Peru
US $4.14
Electricity
McHenry $0.15
Peru
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
McHenry 48.3°F
Peru 47.8°F
Summer High
McHenry 81°F
Peru 82°F
Winter Low
McHenry 16°F
Peru 13°F
Rainfall
McHenry 35.3"
Peru 37.4"
Rainy Days
McHenry 129d
Peru 131d