Elmhurst, IL vs Fairview Heights, IL

The cost of living difference between Elmhurst, IL and Fairview Heights, IL is dramatic. Fairview Heights is 65.2% cheaper than Elmhurst, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elmhurst has a cost index of 136 while Fairview Heights sits at 83, 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 Elmhurst is $1,877/month compared to $1,177/month in Fairview Heights — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fairview Heights is more affordable at $166,800 median vs $532,800.

Median household income in Elmhurst is $145,374 compared to $77,960 in Fairview Heights (+86.5%). While Elmhurst is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elmhurst spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 18.1% in Fairview Heights.

Climate-wise, Fairview Heights is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 51.3°F in Elmhurst. Fairview Heights receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 37.9" in Elmhurst.