Chester, IL vs Preston Heights, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chester is 27% cheaper than Preston Heights. With a cost index of 62 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chester to Preston Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chester is $642/month compared to $1,232/month in Preston Heights — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chester is more affordable at $107,800 median vs $141,400.

Median household income in Chester is $74,673 compared to $51,970 in Preston Heights (+43.7%). Chester offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Chester spend roughly 10.3% of their income on rent, less than the 28.4% in Preston Heights.