Des Plaines, IL vs Granite City, IL

The cost of living difference between Des Plaines, IL and Granite City, IL is dramatic. Granite City is 63.5% 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 Granite City sits at 65, 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 $761/month in Granite City — a 89% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Granite City is more affordable at $99,800 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $60,490 in Granite City (+55.9%). 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 15.1% in Granite City.