Oak Brook, IL vs South Elgin, IL

The cost of living difference between Oak Brook, IL and South Elgin, IL is dramatic. South Elgin is 79.1% cheaper than Oak Brook, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Oak Brook has a cost index of 196 while South Elgin sits at 109, 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 Oak Brook is $2,921/month compared to $1,619/month in South Elgin — a 80% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Elgin is more affordable at $296,100 median vs $867,900.

Median household income in Oak Brook is $171,123 compared to $123,744 in South Elgin (+38.3%). Oak Brook 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 Oak Brook spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in South Elgin.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 49.7°F). Oak Brook receives more rainfall at 34.4" per year compared to 33.2" in South Elgin.