Freeport, IL vs Wheaton, IL

The cost of living difference between Freeport, IL and Wheaton, IL is dramatic. Freeport is 49.1% cheaper than Wheaton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Freeport has a cost index of 64 while Wheaton sits at 125, 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 Freeport is $760/month compared to $1,731/month in Wheaton — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Freeport is more affordable at $86,100 median vs $447,700.

Median household income in Freeport is $48,181 compared to $119,566 in Wheaton (-59.7%). While Wheaton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Freeport spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 17.4% in Wheaton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 49.7°F). Freeport receives more rainfall at 37.2" per year compared to 33.2" in Wheaton.