Buffalo Grove, IL vs Sterling, IL

The cost of living difference between Buffalo Grove, IL and Sterling, IL is dramatic. Sterling is 96.7% 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 Sterling sits at 66, 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 $780/month in Sterling — a 162% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $107,800 median vs $392,900.

Median household income in Buffalo Grove is $129,820 compared to $52,647 in Sterling (+146.6%). 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, more than the 17.8% in Sterling.