Glendale Heights, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukegan is 21% cheaper than Glendale Heights. With a cost index of 86 vs 104, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waukegan to Glendale Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Glendale Heights is $1,562/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $249,000.

Median household income in Glendale Heights is $82,232 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+16.5%). 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 19.8% in Waukegan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 48.3°F). Waukegan receives more rainfall at 35.3" per year compared to 33.2" in Glendale Heights.