Gilberts, IL vs Melrose Park, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melrose Park is 27% cheaper than Gilberts. With a cost index of 94 vs 119, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melrose Park to Gilberts should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gilberts is $1,852/month compared to $1,194/month in Melrose Park — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose Park is more affordable at $265,000 median vs $330,100.

Median household income in Gilberts is $119,719 compared to $64,740 in Melrose Park (+84.9%). While Gilberts is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gilberts spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, less than the 22.1% in Melrose Park.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 51.3°F). Melrose Park receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 33.2" in Gilberts.