Springfield, IL vs Urbana, IL

Springfield, IL and Urbana, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.6% difference in their overall index. Springfield scores 73 while Urbana scores 76 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Springfield is $945/month compared to $951/month in Urbana — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $155,200 median vs $186,300.

Median household income in Springfield is $65,537 compared to $45,854 in Urbana (+42.9%). 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 Springfield spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 24.9% in Urbana.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54°F vs 52.5°F). Springfield receives more rainfall at 38" per year compared to 37" in Urbana.