Gurnee, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukegan is 29.9% cheaper than Gurnee. With a cost index of 86 vs 111, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waukegan to Gurnee should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gurnee is $1,594/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $331,100.

Median household income in Gurnee is $121,410 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+72%). While Gurnee is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gurnee spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Waukegan.

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