Mundelein, IL vs Waukegan, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukegan is 24.5% cheaper than Mundelein. With a cost index of 86 vs 107, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waukegan to Mundelein should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Mundelein is $1,564/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $285,600.

Median household income in Mundelein is $107,608 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+52.5%). While Mundelein is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mundelein spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Waukegan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.8°F vs 48.3°F). Waukegan receives more rainfall at 35.3" per year compared to 32.3" in Mundelein.