Arlington Heights, IL vs Springfield, IL

The cost of living difference between Arlington Heights, IL and Springfield, IL is dramatic. Springfield is 65.9% 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 Springfield sits at 73, 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 $945/month in Springfield — a 83% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $155,200 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $65,537 in Springfield (+80.9%). 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, more than the 17.3% in Springfield.