Pana, IL vs Sterling, IL

Pana is moderately more affordable than Sterling, with a 8.2% lower cost of living index. Pana scores 61 compared to 66 for Sterling, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Sterling can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Pana is $670/month compared to $780/month in Sterling — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pana is more affordable at $82,000 median vs $107,800.

Median household income in Pana is $45,083 compared to $52,647 in Sterling (-14.4%). While Sterling is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Pana spend roughly 17.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Sterling.

Climate-wise, Pana is notably warmer with an average of 53.1°F compared to 49.4°F in Sterling. Sterling receives more rainfall at 37.2" per year compared to 36.4" in Pana.