Champaign, IL vs Highland Park, IL

The cost of living difference between Champaign, IL and Highland Park, IL is dramatic. Champaign is 42.7% cheaper than Highland Park, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Champaign has a cost index of 82 while Highland Park sits at 142, 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 $1,903/month in Highland Park — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $594,400.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $161,875 in Highland Park (-64.5%). While Highland Park 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 14.1% in Highland Park.