Elmhurst, IL vs Springfield, IL

The cost of living difference between Elmhurst, IL and Springfield, IL is dramatic. Springfield is 86.7% cheaper than Elmhurst, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elmhurst has a cost index of 136 while Springfield sits at 73, 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 $945/month in Springfield — a 99% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $155,200 median vs $532,800.

Median household income in Elmhurst is $145,374 compared to $65,537 in Springfield (+121.8%). 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 17.3% in Springfield.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.3°F vs 54°F). Springfield receives more rainfall at 38" per year compared to 37.9" in Elmhurst.