Buffalo Grove, IL vs Waukegan, IL

The cost of living difference between Buffalo Grove, IL and Waukegan, IL is dramatic. Waukegan is 51.7% 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 Waukegan sits at 86, 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 $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 76% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $392,900.

Median household income in Buffalo Grove is $129,820 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+83.9%). 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 19.8% in Waukegan.