Des Plaines, IL vs Geneva, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Des Plaines is 15.4% cheaper than Geneva. With a cost index of 105 vs 125, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Des Plaines to Geneva should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $1,805/month in Geneva — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Des Plaines is more affordable at $318,200 median vs $415,800.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $136,621 in Geneva (-31%). While Geneva 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, more than the 15.9% in Geneva.