Polo, IL vs Salem, IL

Polo, IL and Salem, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Polo scores 66 while Salem scores 65 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 Polo is $777/month compared to $752/month in Salem — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salem is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $108,500.

Median household income in Polo is $52,976 compared to $57,083 in Salem (-7.2%). Salem offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Polo spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.8% in Salem.

Climate-wise, Salem is notably warmer with an average of 57.7°F compared to 49.4°F in Polo. Salem receives more rainfall at 43.4" per year compared to 37.2" in Polo.