Waukegan vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Waukegan	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$72,841	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$248,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$184	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,231	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	110.7	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	103.3	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	425.6	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	20.6%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	52

Los Angeles vs. Waukegan: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between Los Angeles and Waukegan isn't just picking a city—it's picking a lifestyle. One is a global icon, the other a quiet Lake Michigan town. One promises dreams and sunshine, the other offers affordable stability. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the vibes to give you the real, no-BS breakdown. Let's dive in.

The Vibe Check: Hollywood Glam vs. Rust Belt Charm

Los Angeles is the quintessential American boomtown. It’s a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis where ambition meets endless possibility. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and relentlessly creative. You’re trading personal space for world-class culture, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the street art of the Arts District. It’s a city for the go-getters, the dreamers, and those who thrive on chaos and energy. If you’re looking to climb a career ladder in entertainment, tech, or a dozen other high-powered industries, LA is your arena.

Waukegan, on the other hand, is a grounded, blue-collar port city with a surprising amount of heart. Located about 40 miles north of Chicago, it’s the birthplace of Ray Bradbury and boasts a beautiful lakefront and a historic downtown. The vibe is laid-back, community-focused, and unpretentious. It’s a city for those who value practicality, a slower pace, and a strong sense of local identity. You’re trading global fame for a manageable cost of living and a genuine Midwestern welcome. If you want a stable home base with easy access to Chicago’s amenities without the sticker shock, Waukegan is a compelling contender.

Who’s it for?

• LA is for the ambitious professional, the aspiring artist, the sun-chaser, and anyone who believes the best things in life are worth the price (and the traffic).
• Waukegan is for the pragmatic family, the budget-conscious young professional, the retiree seeking affordability, and anyone who prefers four distinct seasons over eternal sunshine.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Feel Like More?

This is the make-or-break category for most people. Let’s talk purchasing power. The median income in LA is $79,701, while in Waukegan it’s $72,841. At first glance, they seem close. But the cost of living tells a completely different story.

The Sticker Shock:
Los Angeles has one of the highest costs of living in the nation. Its Housing Index of 173.0 means housing costs are 73% above the national average. Waukegan’s index of 110.7 is closer to the average, though still slightly above. The real chasm is in rent and home prices.

Here’s the hard data:

Expense Category	Los Angeles	Waukegan	The Difference
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$248,000	$754,500 (LA is 304% more expensive)
Median Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,231	$775 (LA is 63% more expensive)
Median Income	$79,701	$72,841	$6,860 (LA is 9.4% higher)

Salary Wars & The Tax Bite:
Let’s run a scenario. You earn $100,000 in each city.

• In Waukegan, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, state of Illinois, and local) is roughly $73,000. Your rent is $1,231/month, leaving you with about $58,228 for everything else. That’s a healthy buffer.
• In Los Angeles, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, California state tax, and local) is roughly $68,000. Your rent is $2,006/month, leaving you with about $43,328 for everything else. You’re already $14,900 behind annually, and that’s before you even fill your gas tank or buy groceries.

The Verdict on Dollars: Waukegan offers dramatically more purchasing power. Your salary stretches further, and the barrier to homeownership is a fraction of LA’s. LA’s higher median income is completely erased by the astronomical housing costs. If financial breathing room is a priority, Waukegan wins this category hands down.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?

Buying a Home:

• Los Angeles: This is a seller’s market on steroids. With a median home price over $1 million, the entry point is prohibitive for most. Competition is fierce, bidding wars are common, and cash offers often win. Unless you have a significant down payment or are in a high-earning field, buying a home in LA feels like a distant dream for many.
• Waukegan: This is a more balanced market. The median home price of $248,000 is attainable for middle-class families. Inventory is more reasonable, and while competition exists, it’s not the cutthroat frenzy seen in LA. You can actually find a single-family home with a yard for under $300,000.

Renting:

• Los Angeles: The rental market is tight and expensive. A $2,006 median rent for a 1BR often gets you a small, older apartment, possibly without in-unit laundry or parking. Rents are high and continue to climb.
• Waukegan: Rent is significantly more affordable at $1,231. You can often get more space for your money, and the rental market is less volatile.

Verdict: For aspiring homeowners, Waukegan is in a different league. LA’s housing market is for the wealthy or those willing to make major sacrifices. Renters will find Waukegan’s market far less stressful on the wallet.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Los Angeles: Infamous. The average commute can be over 30 minutes each way, but that’s just an average. Traffic congestion is a daily reality, and “rush hour” can last for hours. Car ownership is a necessity, and gas prices are among the highest in the nation.
• Waukegan: Much more manageable. A commute to downtown Chicago is about 45-60 minutes by train (Metra) or car, but local commutes are short. Traffic is minimal, and parking is generally free and plentiful.

Weather

• Los Angeles: The winner for weather enthusiasts. An average of 54.0°F means mild, sunny days year-round. Summers are warm but not oppressive, and winters are cool but rarely cold. The trade-off? No seasons, and the infamous "June Gloom" marine layer.
• Waukegan: This is where you earn your four seasons. An average of 18.0°F tells the story: cold, snowy winters are a given. Summers can be warm and humid, but beautiful. If you love autumn foliage and snow days, Waukegan delivers. If you hate the cold, it’s a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

• Los Angeles: Violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety can vary dramatically by neighborhood—some areas are very safe, while others struggle with crime.
• Waukegan: Violent crime rate is 425.6 per 100,000. While this is also above the national average, it is notably lower than LA’s rate. Like any city, it has safer and less safe areas, but the overall statistical risk is lower.

Verdict: LA wins on weather but loses on traffic and safety. Waukegan offers a safer environment with manageable commutes, but you must be willing to embrace harsh winters.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the financial realities, here’s the breakdown.

Winner for Families: Waukegan

• Why: The math is undeniable. A family earning $100k can afford a $250k home in Waukegan with a mortgage payment that would be impossible for a similar home in LA. Lower crime rates, good public schools (especially in suburban parts of the area), and a strong community feel make it a practical, stable choice for raising kids. You get a yard, safety, and financial security—the trifecta for parents.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Los Angeles

• Why: If your career is in entertainment, tech, or another high-growth field, LA’s networking opportunities and job market are unparalleled. The social scene, diversity, and endless activities are tailor-made for young, ambitious people. Yes, it’s expensive, but the potential rewards (both professionally and socially) can justify the cost if you’re in the right industry. The key is to have a high income and a tolerance for hustle.

Winner for Retirees: Waukegan

• Why: Stretching a fixed income is critical in retirement. Waukegan’s low cost of living, especially housing, means retirement savings go much further. Access to quality healthcare (with Chicago’s world-class hospitals a short train ride away) is excellent. The slower pace and four seasons offer a peaceful, manageable lifestyle. LA’s high taxes and costs would quickly erode a retirement nest egg.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Los Angeles

Pros:

• World-class career opportunities in entertainment & tech.
• Unbeatable weather and sunshine.
• Incredible cultural diversity and food scene.
• Access to beaches, mountains, and deserts.

Cons:

• Extremely high cost of living (especially housing).
• Brutal traffic and long commutes.
• High crime rates in many areas.
• Intense competition in all aspects of life.

Waukegan

Pros:

• Radically more affordable housing and living costs.
• Safe, community-oriented atmosphere.
• Manageable commutes and less traffic.
• Four distinct seasons and lakefront access.

Cons:

• Harsh, long winters with significant snow.
• Fewer high-profile career opportunities.
• Limited nightlife and cultural scene compared to a major metro.
• Less diverse population and cuisine.

The Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a dream, can afford the premium, and thrive on energy. Choose Waukegan if you’re building a life on a foundation of financial stability, community, and practicality. One is a glittering stage, the other is a sturdy home. Which one are you ready for?