Elmhurst, IL vs Waukegan, IL

The cost of living difference between Elmhurst, IL and Waukegan, IL is dramatic. Waukegan is 59.3% cheaper than Elmhurst, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elmhurst has a cost index of 136 while Waukegan sits at 86, 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 $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $532,800.

Median household income in Elmhurst is $145,374 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+106%). 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 19.8% in Waukegan.

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