Waukegan, IL vs Woodridge, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukegan is 22.9% cheaper than Woodridge. With a cost index of 86 vs 111, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waukegan to Woodridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Waukegan is $1,163/month compared to $1,547/month in Woodridge — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukegan is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $345,200.

Median household income in Waukegan is $70,578 compared to $97,263 in Woodridge (-27.4%). While Woodridge is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Waukegan spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in Woodridge.