Carol Stream, IL vs Chatham, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chatham is 23% cheaper than Carol Stream. With a cost index of 86 vs 106, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chatham to Carol Stream should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carol Stream is $1,465/month compared to $1,157/month in Chatham — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chatham is more affordable at $231,900 median vs $308,700.

Median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 compared to $106,030 in Chatham (-0.6%). Chatham offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carol Stream spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 13.1% in Chatham.