Buffalo Grove, IL vs Charleston, IL

The cost of living difference between Buffalo Grove, IL and Charleston, IL is dramatic. Charleston is 87.3% cheaper than Buffalo Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Buffalo Grove has a cost index of 130 while Charleston sits at 69, 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 Buffalo Grove is $2,042/month compared to $819/month in Charleston — a 149% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Charleston is more affordable at $133,700 median vs $392,900.

Median household income in Buffalo Grove is $129,820 compared to $49,057 in Charleston (+164.6%). While Buffalo Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Buffalo Grove spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, less than the 20% in Charleston.