New Baden, IL vs Wood River, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wood River is 15.3% cheaper than New Baden. With a cost index of 69 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wood River to New Baden should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in New Baden is $1,110/month compared to $915/month in Wood River — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wood River is more affordable at $103,200 median vs $160,600.

Median household income in New Baden is $77,542 compared to $65,960 in Wood River (+17.6%). While New Baden is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of New Baden spend roughly 17.2% of their income on rent, more than the 16.6% in Wood River.