Buffalo Grove, IL vs Lemont, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lemont is 18.9% cheaper than Buffalo Grove. With a cost index of 109 vs 130, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lemont to Buffalo Grove should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo Grove is $2,042/month compared to $1,211/month in Lemont — a 69% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lemont has cheaper rent, Buffalo Grove actually has lower median home values ($392,900 vs $447,800).

Median household income in Buffalo Grove is $129,820 compared to $126,100 in Lemont (+3%). Buffalo Grove does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Buffalo Grove spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 11.5% in Lemont.