Chicago, IL vs Des Plaines, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
Chicago has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Des Plaines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 101 | Chicago |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 91 ($1,005) | Tie |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Des Plaines |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 126 ($517) | Chicago |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 96 ($164) | Tie |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 96 ($118) | Tie |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 107 ($51,960) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Des Plaines, IL cheaper to live in?
Chicago, IL is cheaper overall by about 3 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Des Plaines, IL: 101; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Des Plaines, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $35,350/year in Des Plaines, IL to cover basic living costs.