Des Plaines, IL vs Freeport, IL

The cost of living difference between Des Plaines, IL and Freeport, IL is dramatic. Freeport is 65.6% 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 Freeport 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 Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $760/month in Freeport — a 89% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Freeport is more affordable at $86,100 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $48,181 in Freeport (+95.7%). While Des Plaines is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Des Plaines spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.9% in Freeport.