Arlington Heights, IL vs McHenry, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. McHenry is 19.3% cheaper than Arlington Heights. With a cost index of 102 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from McHenry 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 $1,508/month in McHenry — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: McHenry is more affordable at $244,900 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $86,865 in McHenry (+36.5%). 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 20.8% in McHenry.