Arlington Heights, IL vs Chicago Heights, IL

The cost of living difference between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago Heights, IL is dramatic. Chicago Heights is 52.5% cheaper than Arlington Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Arlington Heights has a cost index of 121 while Chicago Heights sits at 80, 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 Arlington Heights is $1,727/month compared to $1,035/month in Chicago Heights — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chicago Heights is more affordable at $149,900 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $57,479 in Chicago Heights (+106.2%). While Arlington Heights is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arlington Heights spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.6% in Chicago Heights.