Berwyn, IL vs Ottawa, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ottawa is 29.3% cheaper than Berwyn. With a cost index of 73 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ottawa to Berwyn should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Berwyn is $1,175/month compared to $922/month in Ottawa — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottawa is more affordable at $144,500 median vs $286,000.

Median household income in Berwyn is $75,235 compared to $73,011 in Ottawa (+3%). Berwyn does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Berwyn spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Ottawa.