Evanston, IL vs Niles, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Niles is 23.1% cheaper than Evanston. With a cost index of 102 vs 126, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Niles to Evanston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Evanston is $1,698/month compared to $1,247/month in Niles — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Niles is more affordable at $350,900 median vs $472,300.

Median household income in Evanston is $95,766 compared to $78,563 in Niles (+21.9%). The higher salaries in Evanston partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Evanston spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19% in Niles.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.8°F vs 51.3°F). Niles receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 32.3" in Evanston.