Peoria, IL vs Wheaton, IL

The cost of living difference between Peoria, IL and Wheaton, IL is dramatic. Peoria is 42.3% cheaper than Wheaton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Peoria has a cost index of 72 while Wheaton sits at 125, 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 Peoria is $951/month compared to $1,731/month in Wheaton — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peoria is more affordable at $149,500 median vs $447,700.

Median household income in Peoria is $58,716 compared to $119,566 in Wheaton (-50.9%). While Wheaton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Peoria spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17.4% in Wheaton.

Climate-wise, Peoria is notably warmer with an average of 52.7°F compared to 49.7°F in Wheaton. Peoria receives more rainfall at 37.6" per year compared to 33.2" in Wheaton.