Downers Grove, IL vs Ottawa, IL

The cost of living difference between Downers Grove, IL and Ottawa, IL is dramatic. Ottawa is 63.5% 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 Ottawa sits at 73, 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 $922/month in Ottawa — a 72% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottawa is more affordable at $144,500 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Downers Grove is $119,649 compared to $73,011 in Ottawa (+63.9%). 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, more than the 15.2% in Ottawa.