Champaign, IL vs Downers Grove, IL

The cost of living difference between Champaign, IL and Downers Grove, IL is dramatic. Champaign is 32.1% cheaper than Downers Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Champaign has a cost index of 82 while Downers Grove sits at 120, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Champaign is $1,103/month compared to $1,589/month in Downers Grove — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $439,000.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $119,649 in Downers Grove (-51.9%). While Downers Grove 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 15.9% in Downers Grove.