Algonquin, IL vs Waukegan, IL

The cost of living difference between Algonquin, IL and Waukegan, IL is dramatic. Waukegan is 36.5% cheaper than Algonquin, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Algonquin has a cost index of 117 while Waukegan sits at 86, 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 Algonquin is $1,800/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $324,000.

Median household income in Algonquin is $131,753 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+86.7%). While Algonquin is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Algonquin spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Waukegan.