Champaign, IL vs Urbana, IL

Urbana is moderately more affordable than Champaign, with a 7.5% lower cost of living index. Champaign scores 82 compared to 76 for Urbana, 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 $951/month in Urbana — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Urbana is more affordable at $186,300 median vs $199,700.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $45,854 in Urbana (+25.5%). While Champaign 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, less than the 24.9% in Urbana.