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Preston Heights, IL vs Wamac, IL

85
Preston Heights
Illinois
VS
+42.7%
59
Wamac
Illinois

The cost of living difference between Preston Heights, IL and Wamac, IL is dramatic. Wamac is 42.7% cheaper than Preston Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Preston Heights has a cost index of 85 while Wamac sits at 59, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Preston Heights is $1,232/month compared to $805/month in Wamac — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wamac is more affordable at $21,900 median vs $141,400.

Median household income in Preston Heights is $51,970 compared to $40,000 in Wamac (+29.9%). The higher salaries in Preston Heights partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Preston Heights spend roughly 28.4% of their income on rent, more than the 24.2% in Wamac.

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

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Preston Heights
85
Wamac
59
30% cheaper
Median Household Income
Preston Heights
$51,970
23% higher
Wamac
$40,000

Housing

Median Rent
Preston Heights
$1,232
Wamac
$805
35% cheaper
Median Home Value
Preston Heights
$141,400
Wamac
$21,900
85% cheaper
Population
Preston Heights
2,318
Wamac
794

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Preston Heights $3.20
Wamac $3.03
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Preston Heights $2.61
Wamac $2.47
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Preston Heights $4.20
Wamac $3.97
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Preston Heights $1.93
Wamac $1.83
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Preston Heights $4.32
Wamac $4.09
US $4.14
Electricity
Preston Heights $0.15
Wamac $0.15
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Preston Heights 52.1°F
Wamac 57.7°F
Summer High
Preston Heights 85°F
Wamac 90°F
Winter Low
Preston Heights 19°F
Wamac 24°F
Rainfall
Preston Heights 34.4"
Wamac 43.4"
Rainy Days
Preston Heights 121d
Wamac 100d