Downers Grove, IL vs Godfrey, IL

The cost of living difference between Downers Grove, IL and Godfrey, IL is dramatic. Godfrey is 46.7% cheaper than Downers Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Downers Grove has a cost index of 120 while Godfrey sits at 82, 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 Downers Grove is $1,589/month compared to $1,111/month in Godfrey — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Godfrey is more affordable at $181,400 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Downers Grove is $119,649 compared to $92,746 in Godfrey (+29%). The higher salaries in Downers Grove partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Downers Grove spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Godfrey.