Des Plaines, IL vs New Lenox, IL

Des Plaines, IL and New Lenox, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.9% difference in their overall index. Des Plaines scores 105 while New Lenox scores 105 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 $1,244/month in New Lenox — a 15% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while New Lenox has cheaper rent, Des Plaines actually has lower median home values ($318,200 vs $377,500).

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $133,071 in New Lenox (-29.1%). New Lenox offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Des Plaines spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 11.2% in New Lenox.