Champaign, IL vs Rockford, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rockford is 15.9% cheaper than Champaign. With a cost index of 70 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rockford 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 $954/month in Rockford — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rockford is more affordable at $120,900 median vs $199,700.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $53,328 in Rockford (+7.9%). 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 21.5% in Rockford.