Steger, IL vs Wilmette, IL

The cost of living difference between Steger, IL and Wilmette, IL is dramatic. Steger is 51.5% cheaper than Wilmette, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Steger 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 Steger is $1,035/month compared to $1,968/month in Wilmette — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Steger is more affordable at $134,100 median vs $802,200.

Median household income in Steger is $59,691 compared to $192,300 in Wilmette (-69%). 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 Steger spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in Wilmette.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 50.8°F). Steger receives more rainfall at 34.4" per year compared to 32.3" in Wilmette.