Chicago Heights, IL vs Evanston, IL

The cost of living difference between Chicago Heights, IL and Evanston, IL is dramatic. Chicago Heights is 36.9% cheaper than Evanston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chicago Heights has a cost index of 80 while Evanston sits at 126, 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 Chicago Heights is $1,035/month compared to $1,698/month in Evanston — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chicago Heights is more affordable at $149,900 median vs $472,300.

Median household income in Chicago Heights is $57,479 compared to $95,766 in Evanston (-40%). While Evanston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chicago Heights spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, more than the 21.3% in Evanston.