Downers Grove, IL vs Waukegan, IL

The cost of living difference between Downers Grove, IL and Waukegan, IL is dramatic. Waukegan is 40.1% 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 Waukegan sits at 86, 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 $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Downers Grove is $119,649 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+69.5%). 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 19.8% in Waukegan.