Champaign, IL vs DeKalb, IL

Champaign, IL and DeKalb, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.6% difference in their overall index. Champaign scores 82 while DeKalb scores 84 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Champaign is $1,103/month compared to $1,030/month in DeKalb — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while DeKalb has cheaper rent, Champaign actually has lower median home values ($199,700 vs $202,900).

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $46,564 in DeKalb (+23.6%). Champaign offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Champaign spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, less than the 26.5% in DeKalb.