Moline, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Moline is 18.6% cheaper than Waukegan. With a cost index of 70 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Moline to Waukegan should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Moline is $887/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Moline is more affordable at $141,900 median vs $177,600.

Median household income in Moline is $63,959 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (-9.4%). The higher salaries in Waukegan partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Moline spend roughly 16.6% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Waukegan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.2°F vs 48.3°F). Moline receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 35.3" in Waukegan.