Bellwood, IL vs Wheaton, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bellwood is 27.3% cheaper than Wheaton. With a cost index of 91 vs 125, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bellwood to Wheaton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bellwood is $1,221/month compared to $1,731/month in Wheaton — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bellwood is more affordable at $219,600 median vs $447,700.

Median household income in Bellwood is $76,990 compared to $119,566 in Wheaton (-35.6%). While Wheaton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellwood spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 17.4% in Wheaton.