Buffalo Grove, IL vs Cicero, IL

The cost of living difference between Buffalo Grove, IL and Cicero, IL is dramatic. Cicero is 45.7% 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 Cicero sits at 89, 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 $1,121/month in Cicero — a 82% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cicero is more affordable at $236,000 median vs $392,900.

Median household income in Buffalo Grove is $129,820 compared to $68,548 in Cicero (+89.4%). 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 19.6% in Cicero.