Cost of Living in Champaign, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $818 (excluding rent), and $1,983 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,134 (excluding rent), and $3,470 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.72 $14.72

$11.78 $11.78

$29.44 $29.44

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$50.8 $50.8

$44.73 $44.73

$122 $122

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.97 $10.97

$9.97 $9.97

$13.74 $13.74

Cappuccino

$4.32 $4.32

$3.01 $3.01

$8.02 $8.02

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 $2.16

$1.96 $1.96

$3.43 $3.43

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.54 $1.54

$1.02 $1.02

$3.07 $3.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.36 $5.36

$3.48 $3.48

$7.95 $7.95

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.88 $5.88

$4.9 $4.9

$9.81 $9.81

Milk (1 liter)

$0.72 $0.72

$0.67 $0.67

$1.61 $1.61

White Bread (500g)

$2.61 $2.61

$1.09 $1.09

$4.93 $4.93

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.67 $2.67

$1.62 $1.62

$6.49 $6.49

Eggs

$2.66 $2.66

$1.38 $1.38

$4.69 $4.69

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.48 $11.48

$6.69 $6.69

$22.4 $22.4

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.24 $6.24

$4.94 $4.94

$17.58 $17.58

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.45 $13.45

$8.83 $8.83

$33.11 $33.11

Apples (1kg)

$3.15 $3.15

$2.17 $2.17

$10.87 $10.87

Banana (1kg)

$1.56 $1.56

$1.14 $1.14

$4.37 $4.37

Oranges (1kg)

$3.49 $3.49

$2.23 $2.23

$11.19 $11.19

Tomato (1kg)

$4.15 $4.15

$2.19 $2.19

$14.96 $14.96

Potato (1kg)

$2.35 $2.35

$0.65 $0.65

$3.8 $3.8

Onion (1kg)

$2.49 $2.49

$2.22 $2.22

$6.79 $6.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.42 $2.42

$1.02 $1.02

$4.08 $4.08

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.53 $1.53

$1.02 $1.02

$4.1 $4.1

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.38 $7.38

$5.94 $5.94

$12.88 $12.88

Wine (Bottle)

$12.88 $12.88

$7.93 $7.93

$19.81 $19.81

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.69 $1.69

$4.04 $4.04

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.82 $3.82

$1.18 $1.18

$6.88 $6.88

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.01 $1.01

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$19.7 $19.7

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.52 $3.52

$15.07 $15.07

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.51 $1.51

$2.11 $2.11

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$40.74 $40.74

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.73 $0.73

$1.06 $1.06

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$32.2K $32.2K

$23.6K $23.6K

$36.3K $36.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$23.2K $23.2K

$20.1K $20.1K

$28.2K $28.2K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$216 $216

$150 $150

$400 $400

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$41.97 $41.97

$25.08 $25.08

$120 $120

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$61.6 $61.6

$49.71 $49.71

$99.4 $99.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.07 $40.07

$17.53 $17.53

$50.1 $50.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$10.18 $10.18

Cinema Ticket

$12.02 $12.02

$10.02 $10.02

$15.03 $15.03

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,220 $1,220

$1,186 $1,186

$2,033 $2,033

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.8K $23.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$45.26 $45.26

$20.34 $20.34

$81.4 $81.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.99 $40.99

$30.12 $30.12

$50.2 $50.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$90.5 $90.5

$50.3 $50.3

$121 $121

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$120 $120

$59.6 $59.6

$248 $248

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$959 $959

$897 $897

$1,694 $1,694

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$891 $891

$713 $713

$1,425 $1,425

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,883 $1,883

$1,711 $1,711

$2,007 $2,007

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,099 $1,099

$609 $609

$1,420 $1,420

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,704 $1,704

$1,682 $1,682

$1,725 $1,725

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,725 $1,725

$1,703 $1,703

$1,747 $1,747

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,800 $3,800

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.49

5.9

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Champaign, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Champaign, IL, United States offers a balanced profile that favors those who value academia, a friendly pace, and mid-range costs. You’ll typically find more space and longer lease options than in big metros, while still benefiting from university-driven services, cafes, and events. Housing tends to be more attainable relative to major cities, and everyday purchases like groceries, transit, and dining out sit in a comfortable middle ground. The absence of sky-high rents is offset by seasonal university schedules and occasional price quirks around peak event periods. Overall, it’s a practical value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads testing longer stays. Tip: test several neighborhoods before deciding where to live.

Daily life in Champaign is very walkable and bike-friendly, with a campus-centered rhythm that expands into quiet residential pockets. When you search housing, start with studio or one-bedroom options near transit, then expand to nearby neighborhoods for more space and value. Food choices span farmers markets, affordable casual spots, and international fare that stays open late enough for remote work. The bus network, bike lanes, and shared mobility options keep daily trips simple, while libraries and coworking spaces offer reliable work hubs. Errands are compact and service shops clustered around town centers. Keep a rough eye on the Champaign, IL, United States living cost as you compare neighborhoods. Tip: test different areas during different days or times to map your routines.

Quality of life here blends university energy with green space, easy Midwest travel, and a predictable rhythm for planning. A simple budgeting framework is to separate fixed costs (rent, utilities, transit) from discretionary spending (eating out, activities, trips). Save by cooking at home, shopping at farmers markets, and using libraries or free events. Seasonality shifts mood and pace: fall brings campus activity and livelier streets, winter can raise heating costs but often reduces crowds, and spring-summer open more outdoor markets and events. For neighborhood fit, prioritize proximity to transit, groceries, and parks, then test a few blocks at different times of day. Tip: map your routines and pick two target areas to compare first.