Chicago Heights, IL vs Willowbrook, IL

The cost of living difference between Chicago Heights, IL and Willowbrook, IL is dramatic. Chicago Heights is 32.1% cheaper than Willowbrook, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chicago Heights has a cost index of 80 while Willowbrook sits at 117, 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 $1,691/month in Willowbrook — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chicago Heights is more affordable at $149,900 median vs $367,000.

Median household income in Chicago Heights is $57,479 compared to $97,861 in Willowbrook (-41.3%). While Willowbrook 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 20.7% in Willowbrook.