Downers Grove, IL vs Springfield, IL

The cost of living difference between Downers Grove, IL and Springfield, IL is dramatic. Springfield is 64.2% 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 Springfield 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 $945/month in Springfield — a 68% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $155,200 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Downers Grove is $119,649 compared to $65,537 in Springfield (+82.6%). 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 17.3% in Springfield.