Markham, IL vs South Chicago Heights, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. South Chicago Heights is 20.3% cheaper than Markham. With a cost index of 81 vs 97, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from South Chicago Heights to Markham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Markham is $1,689/month compared to $1,105/month in South Chicago Heights — a 53% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while South Chicago Heights has cheaper rent, Markham actually has lower median home values ($119,500 vs $136,000).

Median household income in Markham is $52,364 compared to $56,250 in South Chicago Heights (-6.9%). South Chicago Heights 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 23.6% in South Chicago Heights. The South Chicago Heights ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 52.1°F). South Chicago Heights receives more rainfall at 34.4" per year compared to 34.4" in Markham.