Champaign, IL vs Pekin, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Pekin is 25.9% cheaper than Champaign. With a cost index of 65 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Pekin to Champaign should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Champaign is $1,103/month compared to $792/month in Pekin — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pekin is more affordable at $118,200 median vs $199,700.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $58,355 in Pekin (-1.4%). Pekin 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 16.3% in Pekin.