Des Plaines, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukegan is 23.1% cheaper than Des Plaines. With a cost index of 86 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waukegan to Des Plaines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Des Plaines is $1,435/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+33.6%). 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 19.8% in Waukegan.