Columbia, IL vs Gurnee, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Columbia is 19.1% cheaper than Gurnee. With a cost index of 90 vs 111, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Columbia to Gurnee should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Columbia is $1,089/month compared to $1,594/month in Gurnee — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Columbia is more affordable at $290,100 median vs $331,100.

Median household income in Columbia is $107,922 compared to $121,410 in Gurnee (-11.1%). The higher salaries in Gurnee partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbia spend roughly 12.1% of their income on rent, less than the 15.8% in Gurnee.