Brookfield, IL vs Wheaton, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brookfield is 18.5% cheaper than Wheaton. With a cost index of 102 vs 125, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Brookfield to Wheaton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookfield is $1,328/month compared to $1,731/month in Wheaton — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brookfield is more affordable at $314,000 median vs $447,700.

Median household income in Brookfield is $108,429 compared to $119,566 in Wheaton (-9.3%). The higher salaries in Wheaton 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 17.4% in Wheaton.