Bartlett, IL vs Sterling, IL

The cost of living difference between Bartlett, IL and Sterling, IL is dramatic. Sterling is 83% cheaper than Bartlett, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bartlett has a cost index of 121 while Sterling sits at 66, 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 Bartlett is $1,857/month compared to $780/month in Sterling — a 138% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $107,800 median vs $350,500.

Median household income in Bartlett is $130,479 compared to $52,647 in Sterling (+147.8%). While Bartlett is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bartlett spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Sterling.