Salem, IL vs Tilton, IL

Salem, IL and Tilton, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.2% difference in their overall index. Salem scores 65 while Tilton 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 Salem is $752/month compared to $853/month in Tilton — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Salem has cheaper rent, Tilton actually has lower median home values ($71,700 vs $99,800).

Median household income in Salem is $57,083 compared to $53,246 in Tilton (+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 Salem spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.2% in Tilton.

Climate-wise, Salem is notably warmer with an average of 57.7°F compared to 52.3°F in Tilton. Salem receives more rainfall at 43.4" per year compared to 40.4" in Tilton.