Arlington Heights, IL vs Wheeling, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wheeling is 16.9% cheaper than Arlington Heights. With a cost index of 104 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wheeling 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 $1,578/month in Wheeling — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wheeling is more affordable at $244,600 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Arlington Heights is $118,532 compared to $83,251 in Wheeling (+42.4%). 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 22.7% in Wheeling.