Buffalo Grove, IL vs Godfrey, IL

The cost of living difference between Buffalo Grove, IL and Godfrey, IL is dramatic. Godfrey is 58.9% 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 Godfrey sits at 82, 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 $1,111/month in Godfrey — a 84% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Godfrey is more affordable at $181,400 median vs $392,900.

Median household income in Buffalo Grove is $129,820 compared to $92,746 in Godfrey (+40%). The higher salaries in Buffalo Grove partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Buffalo Grove spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Godfrey.