Hillside, IL vs Oakbrook Terrace, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hillside is 20.3% cheaper than Oakbrook Terrace. With a cost index of 93 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hillside to Oakbrook Terrace should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hillside is $1,265/month compared to $1,830/month in Oakbrook Terrace — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hillside is more affordable at $233,800 median vs $315,600.

Median household income in Hillside is $70,772 compared to $70,586 in Oakbrook Terrace (+0.3%). Hillside offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hillside spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, less than the 31.1% in Oakbrook Terrace. The Hillside ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.3°F vs 51.3°F). Oakbrook Terrace receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 37.9" in Hillside.