Downers Grove, IL vs Elgin, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elgin is 26.7% cheaper than Downers Grove. With a cost index of 95 vs 120, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elgin to Downers Grove should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Downers Grove is $1,589/month compared to $1,260/month in Elgin — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $252,400 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Downers Grove is $119,649 compared to $88,316 in Elgin (+35.5%). While Downers Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Downers Grove spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Elgin.