Carol Stream, IL vs Evanston, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carol Stream is 16.2% cheaper than Evanston. With a cost index of 106 vs 126, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carol Stream to Evanston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carol Stream is $1,465/month compared to $1,698/month in Evanston — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carol Stream is more affordable at $308,700 median vs $472,300.

Median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 compared to $95,766 in Evanston (+10.1%). Carol Stream 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, less than the 21.3% in Evanston.