Moline, IL vs Sterling, IL

Sterling is moderately more affordable than Moline, with a 5.5% lower cost of living index. Moline scores 70 compared to 66 for Sterling, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Moline can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Moline is $887/month compared to $780/month in Sterling — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $107,800 median vs $141,900.

Median household income in Moline is $63,959 compared to $52,647 in Sterling (+21.5%). While Moline is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Moline spend roughly 16.6% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Sterling.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.2°F vs 49.4°F). Moline receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 37.2" in Sterling.