Des Plaines, IL vs Mokena, IL

Des Plaines, IL and Mokena, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.6% difference in their overall index. Des Plaines scores 105 while Mokena scores 109 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $1,405/month in Mokena — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Mokena has cheaper rent, Des Plaines actually has lower median home values ($318,200 vs $377,100).

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $129,017 in Mokena (-26.9%). While Mokena 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 13.1% in Mokena.