Pekin, IL vs Waterloo, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Pekin is 18.2% cheaper than Waterloo. With a cost index of 65 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Pekin to Waterloo should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Pekin is $792/month compared to $873/month in Waterloo — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pekin is more affordable at $118,200 median vs $237,900.

Median household income in Pekin is $58,355 compared to $92,005 in Waterloo (-36.6%). While Waterloo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Pekin spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Waterloo.

Climate-wise, Waterloo is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 52.7°F in Pekin. Waterloo receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 37.6" in Pekin.