Barrington, IL vs South Chicago Heights, IL

The cost of living difference between Barrington, IL and South Chicago Heights, IL is dramatic. South Chicago Heights is 74.7% cheaper than Barrington, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Barrington has a cost index of 141 while South Chicago Heights sits at 81, 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 Barrington is $1,886/month compared to $1,105/month in South Chicago Heights — a 71% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Chicago Heights is more affordable at $136,000 median vs $580,900.

Median household income in Barrington is $150,714 compared to $56,250 in South Chicago Heights (+167.9%). While Barrington is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Barrington spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, less than the 23.6% in South Chicago Heights.