Phoenix, IL vs Ruma, IL

Phoenix, IL and Ruma, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Phoenix scores 74 while Ruma scores 72 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Phoenix is $1,010/month compared to $933/month in Ruma — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ruma has cheaper rent, Phoenix actually has lower median home values ($86,300 vs $125,000).

Median household income in Phoenix is $25,703 compared to $71,875 in Ruma (-64.2%). Ruma offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Phoenix spend roughly 47.2% of their income on rent, more than the 15.6% in Ruma. The Ruma ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Ruma is notably warmer with an average of 57.7°F compared to 52.1°F in Phoenix. Ruma receives more rainfall at 43.4" per year compared to 34.4" in Phoenix.