Streamwood, IL vs Waukegan, IL

The cost of living difference between Streamwood, IL and Waukegan, IL is dramatic. Waukegan is 32% cheaper than Streamwood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Streamwood has a cost index of 113 while Waukegan sits at 86, 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 Streamwood is $1,849/month compared to $1,163/month in Waukegan — a 59% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $258,300.

Median household income in Streamwood is $101,049 compared to $70,578 in Waukegan (+43.2%). While Streamwood is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Streamwood spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 19.8% in Waukegan.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 48.3°F). Waukegan receives more rainfall at 35.3" per year compared to 33.2" in Streamwood.