Arlington Heights, IL vs Edwardsville, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Edwardsville is 28.9% cheaper than Arlington Heights. With a cost index of 94 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Edwardsville to Arlington Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arlington Heights is $1,727/month compared to $1,231/month in Edwardsville — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Edwardsville is more affordable at $286,700 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $92,671 in Edwardsville (+27.9%). 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 15.9% in Edwardsville.