Downers Grove, IL vs Peoria, IL

The cost of living difference between Downers Grove, IL and Peoria, IL is dramatic. Peoria is 66.3% 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 Peoria sits at 72, 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 $951/month in Peoria — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peoria is more affordable at $149,500 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Downers Grove is $119,649 compared to $58,716 in Peoria (+103.8%). 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 19.4% in Peoria.