Arlington Heights, IL vs Carol Stream, IL

Carol Stream is moderately more affordable than Arlington Heights, with a 14.9% lower cost of living index. Arlington Heights scores 121 compared to 106 for Carol Stream, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Arlington Heights can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Arlington Heights is $1,727/month compared to $1,465/month in Carol Stream — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carol Stream is more affordable at $308,700 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $105,395 in Carol Stream (+12.5%). The higher salaries in Arlington Heights partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Arlington Heights spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 16.7% in Carol Stream.