Cost of Living in Champaign County, Illinois

$1,018/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$205,100

Median Home Value

22% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,018/mo

22% above state average

Median Home Value

$205,100

27% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Champaign County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Champaign County$1,018/mo

Illinois Average$837/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,018/mo

Median Gross Rent

$205,100

Median Home Value

$1,206/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Champaign County, Illinois

Champaign County rents bite harder than national

Renters here spend 19.4% of income on housing—well above the national comfort threshold of 30% and significantly higher than most Illinois counties. Though median household income reaches $63,091, the median rent of $1,018 per month creates outsized housing pressure compared to the $74,755 national median.

One of Illinois's priciest rental markets

Champaign County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst affordability, far exceeding the Illinois average of 14.7%. The $1,018 median rent—$181 above state average—reflects the county's role as home to the University of Illinois, driving up demand and costs.

Rent premium reflects college town demand

Champaign County's $1,018 rent towers over rural neighbors like Cass ($723), Christian ($729), and Clark ($828), signaling a distinct economic profile. This premium aligns with university-driven housing markets where student and faculty demand keep prices elevated.

College town costs strain household budgets

Renters pay $1,018 monthly while homeowners carry $1,206—both substantial relative to the $63,091 median income. At a $205,100 median home value, ownership remains more expensive than renting here, an unusual pattern reflecting academic institutional wealth rather than typical residential demand.

Expect premium pricing for college proximity

Moving to Champaign County? Budget for university-driven rents 22% above the state average and nearly 41% above smaller, rural neighbors. If affordability matters, compare Champaign's 19.4% rent burden against cheaper counties like Cass (13.4%) or Clinton (13.6%) before committing.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Champaign County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,472

per month

Owner Cost Burden

22.9%

of gross income

The median home in Champaign County may be a stretch

Median home value is $205,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,637 vs. your max of $1,472.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.4%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Champaign County, Illinois?

Champaign County, Illinois has a median monthly rent of $1,018/mo and a median home value of $205,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Champaign County?

The median gross rent in Champaign County is $1,018/mo. This is 22% above state average for Illinois.

Is Champaign County affordable?

Champaign County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Champaign County's rent compare to the state average?

Champaign County's median rent of $1,018/mo is 22% above state average of $837/mo for Illinois.

What is the median home value in Champaign County?

The median home value in Champaign County, Illinois is $205,100. This is 27% below the national median home value of $281,900.