Downers Grove, IL vs Round Lake, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Round Lake is 17.4% cheaper than Downers Grove. With a cost index of 102 vs 120, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Round Lake 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 $1,494/month in Round Lake — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Round Lake is more affordable at $257,400 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Downers Grove is $119,649 compared to $108,965 in Round Lake (+9.8%). 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, less than the 16.5% in Round Lake.