Des Plaines, IL vs East Moline, IL

The cost of living difference between Des Plaines, IL and East Moline, IL is dramatic. East Moline is 56.6% cheaper than Des Plaines, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Des Plaines has a cost index of 105 while East Moline sits at 67, 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 Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $826/month in East Moline — a 74% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: East Moline is more affordable at $135,300 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $63,328 in East Moline (+48.9%). The higher salaries in Des Plaines partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Des Plaines spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in East Moline.