New Lenox, IL vs Palatine, IL

New Lenox, IL and Palatine, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4% difference in their overall index. New Lenox scores 105 while Palatine scores 109 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in New Lenox is $1,244/month compared to $1,467/month in Palatine — a 15% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while New Lenox has cheaper rent, Palatine actually has lower median home values ($347,900 vs $377,500).

Median household income in New Lenox is $133,071 compared to $95,950 in Palatine (+38.7%). New Lenox offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of New Lenox spend roughly 11.2% of their income on rent, less than the 18.3% in Palatine.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 50.8°F). New Lenox receives more rainfall at 34.4" per year compared to 32.3" in Palatine.