Murphysboro, IL vs Ottawa, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Murphysboro is 18.3% cheaper than Ottawa. With a cost index of 60 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Murphysboro to Ottawa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Murphysboro is $655/month compared to $922/month in Ottawa — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Murphysboro is more affordable at $79,600 median vs $144,500.

Median household income in Murphysboro is $42,367 compared to $73,011 in Ottawa (-42%). While Ottawa is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Murphysboro spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Ottawa.

Climate-wise, Murphysboro is notably warmer with an average of 56.4°F compared to 49.4°F in Ottawa. Murphysboro receives more rainfall at 44" per year compared to 33.8" in Ottawa.