Champaign, IL vs Normal, IL

Champaign, IL and Normal, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Champaign scores 82 while Normal scores 78 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 $974/month in Normal — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Normal has cheaper rent, Champaign actually has lower median home values ($199,700 vs $199,900).

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $66,350 in Normal (-13.3%). Normal 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, more than the 17.6% in Normal.