Mundelein, IL vs Waterloo, IL

The cost of living difference between Mundelein, IL and Waterloo, IL is dramatic. Waterloo is 34.7% cheaper than Mundelein, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Mundelein has a cost index of 107 while Waterloo sits at 79, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Mundelein is $1,564/month compared to $873/month in Waterloo — a 79% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waterloo is more affordable at $237,900 median vs $285,600.

Median household income in Mundelein is $107,608 compared to $92,005 in Waterloo (+17%). Mundelein does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Mundelein spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Waterloo.

Climate-wise, Waterloo is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 50.8°F in Mundelein. Waterloo receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 32.3" in Mundelein.