Glendale Heights, IL vs Pontiac, IL
The cost of living difference between Glendale Heights, IL and Pontiac, IL is dramatic. Pontiac is 53.7% cheaper than Glendale Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Glendale Heights has a cost index of 104 while Pontiac sits at 67, 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 Glendale Heights is $1,562/month compared to $818/month in Pontiac — a 91% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pontiac is more affordable at $110,200 median vs $249,000.
Median household income in Glendale Heights is $82,232 compared to $59,579 in Pontiac (+38%). The higher salaries in Glendale Heights partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Glendale Heights spend roughly 22.8% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Pontiac.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 52.3°F). Pontiac receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 33.2" in Glendale Heights.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)