Arlington Heights, IL vs DeKalb, IL

The cost of living difference between Arlington Heights, IL and DeKalb, IL is dramatic. DeKalb is 44.9% 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 DeKalb sits at 84, 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 $1,030/month in DeKalb — a 68% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: DeKalb is more affordable at $202,900 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $46,564 in DeKalb (+154.6%). 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 26.5% in DeKalb.