Champaign, IL vs Oak Park, IL

The cost of living difference between Champaign, IL and Oak Park, IL is dramatic. Champaign is 30.5% cheaper than Oak Park, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Champaign has a cost index of 82 while Oak Park sits at 117, 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 $1,456/month in Oak Park — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $456,300.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $108,026 in Oak Park (-46.7%). While Oak 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 16.2% in Oak Park.