Essex, IL vs Oakbrook Terrace, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Essex is 27.4% cheaper than Oakbrook Terrace. With a cost index of 85 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Essex to Oakbrook Terrace should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Essex is $1,147/month compared to $1,830/month in Oakbrook Terrace — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Essex is more affordable at $219,000 median vs $315,600.

Median household income in Essex is $101,094 compared to $70,586 in Oakbrook Terrace (+43.2%). Essex offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Essex spend roughly 13.6% of their income on rent, less than the 31.1% in Oakbrook Terrace. The Essex ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 51.3°F). Oakbrook Terrace receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 33.8" in Essex.