Deerfield, IL vs Wheaton, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wheaton is 25.4% cheaper than Deerfield. With a cost index of 125 vs 157, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wheaton to Deerfield should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Deerfield is $2,345/month compared to $1,731/month in Wheaton — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wheaton is more affordable at $447,700 median vs $608,600.

Median household income in Deerfield is $189,705 compared to $119,566 in Wheaton (+58.7%). While Deerfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Deerfield spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.4% in Wheaton.