Elmhurst, IL vs Peoria, IL

The cost of living difference between Elmhurst, IL and Peoria, IL is dramatic. Peoria is 89.1% cheaper than Elmhurst, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elmhurst has a cost index of 136 while Peoria sits at 72, 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 $951/month in Peoria — a 97% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peoria is more affordable at $149,500 median vs $532,800.

Median household income in Elmhurst is $145,374 compared to $58,716 in Peoria (+147.6%). 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 19.4% in Peoria.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.3°F vs 52.7°F). Elmhurst receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 37.6" in Peoria.