Carol Stream, IL vs Peoria, IL

The cost of living difference between Carol Stream, IL and Peoria, IL is dramatic. Peoria is 46.3% cheaper than Carol Stream, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carol Stream has a cost index of 106 while Peoria sits at 72, 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 Carol Stream is $1,465/month compared to $951/month in Peoria — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peoria is more affordable at $149,500 median vs $308,700.

Median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 compared to $58,716 in Peoria (+79.5%). 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 19.4% in Peoria.