DeKalb, IL vs Macomb, IL

The cost of living difference between DeKalb, IL and Macomb, IL is dramatic. Macomb is 30.8% cheaper than DeKalb, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. DeKalb has a cost index of 84 while Macomb sits at 64, 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 DeKalb is $1,030/month compared to $733/month in Macomb — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Macomb is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $202,900.

Median household income in DeKalb is $46,564 compared to $39,753 in Macomb (+17.1%). The higher salaries in DeKalb partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of DeKalb spend roughly 26.5% of their income on rent, more than the 22.1% in Macomb.