Champaign, IL vs Wheeling, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Champaign is 21.4% cheaper than Wheeling. With a cost index of 82 vs 104, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Champaign to Wheeling should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Champaign is $1,103/month compared to $1,578/month in Wheeling — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Champaign is more affordable at $199,700 median vs $244,600.

Median household income in Champaign is $57,544 compared to $83,251 in Wheeling (-30.9%). While Wheeling 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, more than the 22.7% in Wheeling.