North Chicago, IL vs Pontiac, IL

The cost of living difference between North Chicago, IL and Pontiac, IL is dramatic. Pontiac is 33.7% cheaper than North Chicago, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. North Chicago has a cost index of 90 while Pontiac sits at 67, 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 North Chicago is $1,392/month compared to $818/month in Pontiac — a 70% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pontiac is more affordable at $110,200 median vs $147,800.

Median household income in North Chicago is $56,815 compared to $59,579 in Pontiac (-4.6%). Pontiac offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of North Chicago spend roughly 29.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Pontiac.

Climate-wise, Pontiac is notably warmer with an average of 52.3°F compared to 48.3°F in North Chicago. Pontiac receives more rainfall at 40.4" per year compared to 35.3" in North Chicago.