Cost of Living in Champaign, IL
Population 88,822 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Champaign lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $200,000 — 35% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Illinois. A poverty rate near 24% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Champaign lies roughly 75 miles east of the nearest major metro, Springfield — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 29% higher than Springfield's $155,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Champaign
The median home value in Champaign is $199,700 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,103/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,544/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Champaign has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Champaign, IL?
Champaign has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Champaign, IL?
The median gross rent in Champaign is $1,103 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Champaign?
The median home value in Champaign is $199,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Champaign?
The median household income in Champaign is $57,544 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Champaign, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Champaign is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Champaign, IL affordable?
Yes, Champaign is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
Champaign at a Glance
- Population
- 88,822
- Median Income
- $57,544
- Home Value
- $199,700
- Median Rent
- $1,103/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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