Champaign, IL vs Springfield, IL

Springfield is moderately more affordable than Champaign, with a 11.6% lower cost of living index. Champaign scores 82 compared to 73 for Springfield, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Champaign can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Champaign is $1,103/month compared to $945/month in Springfield — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $155,200 median vs $199,700.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $65,537 in Springfield (-12.2%). Springfield 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 17.3% in Springfield.