Elmhurst, IL vs Round Lake, IL

The cost of living difference between Elmhurst, IL and Round Lake, IL is dramatic. Round Lake is 33.4% cheaper than Elmhurst, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elmhurst has a cost index of 136 while Round Lake sits at 102, 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 $1,494/month in Round Lake — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Round Lake is more affordable at $257,400 median vs $532,800.

Median household income in Elmhurst is $145,374 compared to $108,965 in Round Lake (+33.4%). The higher salaries in Elmhurst partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Elmhurst spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in Round Lake.

Climate-wise, Elmhurst is notably warmer with an average of 51.3°F compared to 48.3°F in Round Lake. Elmhurst receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 35.3" in Round Lake.