Decatur, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Decatur is 27.1% cheaper than Waukegan. With a cost index of 62 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Decatur to Waukegan should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Decatur is $796/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Decatur is more affordable at $97,300 median vs $177,600.

Median household income in Decatur is $50,809 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (-28%). While Waukegan is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Decatur spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Waukegan.