Des Plaines, IL vs Kankakee, IL

The cost of living difference between Des Plaines, IL and Kankakee, IL is dramatic. Kankakee is 48.8% 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 Kankakee sits at 71, 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 $986/month in Kankakee — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kankakee is more affordable at $105,500 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $45,119 in Kankakee (+109%). 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 26.2% in Kankakee.