Arlington Heights, IL vs North Chicago, IL

The cost of living difference between Arlington Heights, IL and North Chicago, IL is dramatic. North Chicago is 34.5% 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 North Chicago sits at 90, 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 $1,392/month in North Chicago — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: North Chicago is more affordable at $147,800 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $56,815 in North Chicago (+108.6%). 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 29.4% in North Chicago.