Rochelle, IL vs Wilmette, IL

The cost of living difference between Rochelle, IL and Wilmette, IL is dramatic. Rochelle is 51.9% cheaper than Wilmette, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Rochelle has a cost index of 78 while Wilmette sits at 161, 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 Rochelle is $962/month compared to $1,968/month in Wilmette — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rochelle is more affordable at $153,000 median vs $802,200.

Median household income in Rochelle is $63,373 compared to $192,300 in Wilmette (-67%). While Wilmette is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Rochelle spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in Wilmette.

Climate-wise, Wilmette is notably warmer with an average of 50.8°F compared to 47.8°F in Rochelle. Rochelle receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 32.3" in Wilmette.