Evanston, IL vs Wilmette, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Evanston is 21.8% cheaper than Wilmette. With a cost index of 126 vs 161, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Evanston to Wilmette should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Evanston is $1,698/month compared to $1,968/month in Wilmette — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Evanston is more affordable at $472,300 median vs $802,200.

Median household income in Evanston is $95,766 compared to $192,300 in Wilmette (-50.2%). While Wilmette is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Evanston spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in Wilmette.

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