Des Plaines, IL vs Vernon Hills, IL

Des Plaines is moderately more affordable than Vernon Hills, with a 14.7% lower cost of living index. Des Plaines scores 105 compared to 124 for Vernon Hills, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Vernon Hills can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $1,855/month in Vernon Hills — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Des Plaines is more affordable at $318,200 median vs $384,800.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $120,625 in Vernon Hills (-21.8%). While Vernon Hills 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 18.5% in Vernon Hills.