Chicago Heights, IL vs Rochelle, IL

Chicago Heights, IL and Rochelle, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Chicago Heights scores 80 while Rochelle scores 78 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chicago Heights is $1,035/month compared to $962/month in Rochelle — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Rochelle has cheaper rent, Chicago Heights actually has lower median home values ($149,900 vs $153,000).

Median household income in Chicago Heights is $57,479 compared to $63,373 in Rochelle (-9.3%). Rochelle offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Chicago Heights spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.2% in Rochelle.