Milton, IL vs Rankin, IL

The cost of living difference between Milton, IL and Rankin, IL is dramatic. Rankin is 38.3% cheaper than Milton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Milton has a cost index of 81 while Rankin sits at 58, 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 Milton is $1,350/month compared to $718/month in Rankin — a 88% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rankin is more affordable at $57,700 median vs $73,600.

Median household income in Milton is $48,365 compared to $47,125 in Rankin (+2.6%). Milton does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Milton spend roughly 33.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Rankin. The Rankin ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53°F vs 52.3°F). Rankin receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 36.4" in Milton.