Carol Stream, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukegan is 23.2% 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 Waukegan 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 $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $308,700.

Median household income in Carol Stream is $105,395 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+49.3%). 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 19.8% in Waukegan.