Carol Stream, IL vs Glen Carbon, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Glen Carbon is 18.6% cheaper than Carol Stream. With a cost index of 89 vs 106, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Glen Carbon 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 $1,088/month in Glen Carbon — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Glen Carbon is more affordable at $278,200 median vs $308,700.

Median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 compared to $92,434 in Glen Carbon (+14%). The higher salaries in Carol Stream partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Carol Stream spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 14.1% in Glen Carbon.