Riverdale, IL vs Smithton, IL

Riverdale, IL and Smithton, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Riverdale scores 81 while Smithton scores 80 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 Riverdale is $1,204/month compared to $857/month in Smithton — a 41% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Smithton has cheaper rent, Riverdale actually has lower median home values ($104,800 vs $251,600).

Median household income in Riverdale is $45,709 compared to $114,453 in Smithton (-60.1%). Smithton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Riverdale spend roughly 31.6% of their income on rent, more than the 9% in Smithton. The Smithton ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

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