Markham, IL vs North Chicago, IL

North Chicago is moderately more affordable than Markham, with a 7.4% lower cost of living index. Markham scores 97 compared to 90 for North Chicago, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Markham can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Markham is $1,689/month compared to $1,392/month in North Chicago — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while North Chicago has cheaper rent, Markham actually has lower median home values ($119,500 vs $147,800).

Median household income in Markham is $52,364 compared to $56,815 in North Chicago (-7.8%). North Chicago offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Markham spend roughly 38.7% of their income on rent, more than the 29.4% in North Chicago. The North Chicago ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Markham is notably warmer with an average of 52.1°F compared to 48.3°F in North Chicago. North Chicago receives more rainfall at 35.3" per year compared to 34.4" in Markham.