Effingham, IL vs Glendale Heights, IL

The cost of living difference between Effingham, IL and Glendale Heights, IL is dramatic. Effingham is 34% cheaper than Glendale Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Effingham has a cost index of 68 while Glendale Heights sits at 104, 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 Effingham is $696/month compared to $1,562/month in Glendale Heights — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Effingham is more affordable at $166,700 median vs $249,000.

Median household income in Effingham is $65,718 compared to $82,232 in Glendale Heights (-20.1%). The higher salaries in Glendale Heights partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Effingham spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22.8% in Glendale Heights.

Climate-wise, Effingham is notably warmer with an average of 53.4°F compared to 49.7°F in Glendale Heights. Effingham receives more rainfall at 36" per year compared to 33.2" in Glendale Heights.