Carol Stream, IL vs Forest Park, IL

Carol Stream, IL and Forest Park, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.6% difference in their overall index. Carol Stream scores 106 while Forest Park scores 101 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carol Stream is $1,465/month compared to $1,352/month in Forest Park — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Forest Park is more affordable at $293,800 median vs $308,700.

Median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 compared to $81,323 in Forest Park (+29.6%). While Carol Stream is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carol Stream spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 20% in Forest Park.