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Poplar Grove, IL vs Waterman, IL

96
Poplar Grove
Illinois
VS
+19.3%
81
Waterman
Illinois

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waterman is 19.3% cheaper than Poplar Grove. With a cost index of 81 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waterman to Poplar Grove should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Poplar Grove is $1,443/month compared to $897/month in Waterman — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waterman is more affordable at $212,900 median vs $253,500.

Median household income in Poplar Grove is $93,409 compared to $97,386 in Waterman (-4.1%). Waterman offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Poplar Grove spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.1% in Waterman.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 47.8°F). Waterman receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 37.2" in Poplar Grove.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Poplar Grove
96
Waterman
81
16% cheaper
Median Household Income
Poplar Grove
$93,409
Waterman
$97,386
4% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Poplar Grove
$1,443
Waterman
$897
38% cheaper
Median Home Value
Poplar Grove
$253,500
Waterman
$212,900
16% cheaper
Population
Poplar Grove
4,202
Waterman
1,419

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Poplar Grove $2.85
Waterman $3.20
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Poplar Grove $2.33
Waterman $2.61
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Poplar Grove $3.75
Waterman $4.20
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Poplar Grove $1.72
Waterman $1.93
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Poplar Grove $3.86
Waterman $4.32
US $4.14
Electricity
Poplar Grove $0.16
Waterman $0.15
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Poplar Grove 49.4°F
Waterman 47.8°F
Summer High
Poplar Grove 84°F
Waterman 82°F
Winter Low
Poplar Grove 15°F
Waterman 13°F
Rainfall
Poplar Grove 37.2"
Waterman 37.4"
Rainy Days
Poplar Grove 121d
Waterman 131d