South Chicago Heights, IL vs Waterloo, IL

South Chicago Heights, IL and Waterloo, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.7% difference in their overall index. South Chicago Heights scores 81 while Waterloo scores 79 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 South Chicago Heights is $1,105/month compared to $873/month in Waterloo — a 27% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Waterloo has cheaper rent, South Chicago Heights actually has lower median home values ($136,000 vs $237,900).

Median household income in South Chicago Heights is $56,250 compared to $92,005 in Waterloo (-38.9%). Waterloo offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of South Chicago Heights spend roughly 23.6% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Waterloo.

Climate-wise, Waterloo is notably warmer with an average of 56.5°F compared to 52.1°F in South Chicago Heights. Waterloo receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 34.4" in South Chicago Heights.