Brookfield, IL vs Downers Grove, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brookfield is 15.1% cheaper than Downers Grove. With a cost index of 102 vs 120, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Brookfield to Downers Grove should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookfield is $1,328/month compared to $1,589/month in Downers Grove — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brookfield is more affordable at $314,000 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Brookfield is $108,429 compared to $119,649 in Downers Grove (-9.4%). The higher salaries in Downers Grove partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookfield spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, less than the 15.9% in Downers Grove.