Crete, IL vs South Elgin, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Crete is 15.9% cheaper than South Elgin. With a cost index of 92 vs 109, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Crete to South Elgin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Crete is $1,283/month compared to $1,619/month in South Elgin — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Crete is more affordable at $209,100 median vs $296,100.

Median household income in Crete is $97,984 compared to $123,744 in South Elgin (-20.8%). While South Elgin is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Crete spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, less than the 15.7% in South Elgin.