Champaign, IL vs Crystal Lake, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Champaign is 20.7% cheaper than Crystal Lake. With a cost index of 82 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Champaign to Crystal Lake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Champaign is $1,103/month compared to $1,431/month in Crystal Lake — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $287,400.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $105,428 in Crystal Lake (-45.4%). While Crystal Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Champaign spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, more than the 16.3% in Crystal Lake.