Arlington Heights, IL vs West Chicago, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. West Chicago is 18.1% cheaper than Arlington Heights. With a cost index of 103 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from West Chicago 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 $1,376/month in West Chicago — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Chicago is more affordable at $306,500 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $100,568 in West Chicago (+17.9%). 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 16.4% in West Chicago.