Champaign, IL vs Des Plaines, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Champaign is 22.7% cheaper than Des Plaines. With a cost index of 82 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Champaign to Des Plaines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Champaign is $1,103/month compared to $1,435/month in Des Plaines — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $318,200.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $94,303 in Des Plaines (-39%). While Des Plaines 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 18.3% in Des Plaines.