Champaign, IL vs Evanston, IL

The cost of living difference between Champaign, IL and Evanston, IL is dramatic. Champaign is 35.3% cheaper than Evanston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Champaign has a cost index of 82 while Evanston sits at 126, 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 $1,698/month in Evanston — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $472,300.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $95,766 in Evanston (-39.9%). While Evanston 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 21.3% in Evanston.