Champaign, IL vs Rock Island, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rock Island is 24.1% cheaper than Champaign. With a cost index of 66 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rock Island 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 $819/month in Rock Island — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rock Island is more affordable at $118,400 median vs $199,700.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $57,292 in Rock Island (+0.4%). Champaign does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Champaign spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in Rock Island.