Des Plaines, IL vs Wilmette, IL

The cost of living difference between Des Plaines, IL and Wilmette, IL is dramatic. Des Plaines is 34.6% cheaper than Wilmette, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Des Plaines has a cost index of 105 while Wilmette sits at 161, 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 $1,968/month in Wilmette — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Des Plaines is more affordable at $318,200 median vs $802,200.

Median household income in Des Plaines is $94,303 compared to $192,300 in Wilmette (-51%). While Wilmette 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 12.3% in Wilmette.