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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $974 (excluding rent), and $1,632 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,292 (excluding rent), and $3,547 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.15 $15.15

$12.12 $12.12

$28.28 $28.28

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$49.91 $49.91

$43.92 $43.92

$140 $140

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.93 $10.93

$8.95 $8.95

$13.70 $13.70

Cappuccino

$4.19 $4.19

$2.92 $2.92

$5.83 $5.83

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

$2.20 $2.20

$1.99 $1.99

$3.98 $3.98

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.54 $1.54

$1.02 $1.02

$4.10 $4.10

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.61 $5.61

$5.10 $5.10

$11.22 $11.22

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.09 $6.09

$5.08 $5.08

$13.20 $13.20

Milk (1 liter)

$0.68 $0.68

$0.55 $0.55

$1.01 $1.01

White Bread (500g)

$2.70 $2.70

$1.13 $1.13

$4.53 $4.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.69 $2.69

$1.52 $1.52

$4.36 $4.36

Eggs

$2.73 $2.73

$1.41 $1.41

$8.09 $8.09

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.65 $7.65

$6.55 $6.55

$17.47 $17.47

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.70 $8.70

$5.43 $5.43

$10.87 $10.87

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.21 $13.21

$8.68 $8.68

$15.18 $15.18

Apples (1kg)

$3.46 $3.46

$2.16 $2.16

$4.32 $4.32

Banana (1kg)

$1.60 $1.60

$1.11 $1.11

$1.99 $1.99

Oranges (1kg)

$2.96 $2.96

$1.50 $1.50

$4.91 $4.91

Tomato (1kg)

$3.60 $3.60

$1.56 $1.56

$5.63 $5.63

Potato (1kg)

$2.25 $2.25

$0.68 $0.68

$2.25 $2.25

Onion (1kg)

$2.45 $2.45

$0.73 $0.73

$3.75 $3.75

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.65 $1.65

$3.92 $3.92

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.32 $1.32

$0.98 $0.98

$2.20 $2.20

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.25 $10.25

$7.06 $7.06

$12.10 $12.10

Wine (Bottle)

$8.35 $8.35

$6.88 $6.88

$19.66 $19.66

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

$0.85 $0.85

$2.94 $2.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.31 $1.31

$1.21 $1.21

$6.06 $6.06

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.99 $0.99

$1.98 $1.98

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.99 $2.99

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.65 $0.65

$3.25 $3.25

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.71 $29.71

$26.87 $26.87

$35.63 $35.63

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.86 $0.86

$1.08 $1.08

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

$24.5K $24.5K

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

$22.9K $22.9K

$19.9K $19.9K

$25.9K $25.9K

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

$219 $219

$152 $152

$253 $253

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

$41.95 $41.95

$25.07 $25.07

$129 $129

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.8 $59.8

$34.89 $34.89

$89.7 $89.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.14 $43.14

$17.56 $17.56

$50.2 $50.2

Cinema Ticket

$11.90 $11.90

$5.95 $5.95

$11.90 $11.90

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

$1,194 $1,194

$1,492 $1,492

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.7K $23.7K

$17.0K $17.0K

$27.6K $27.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$43.81 $43.81

$19.69 $19.69

$55.1 $55.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.54 $40.54

$25.33 $25.33

$65.9 $65.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$67.4 $67.4

$50.6 $50.6

$111 $111

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$153 $153

$59.4 $59.4

$247 $247

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$759 $759

$557 $557

$860 $860

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$582 $582

$405 $405

$759 $759

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,496 $1,496

$2,991 $2,991

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,368 $1,368

$2,533 $2,533

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,635 $1,635

$1,506 $1,506

$1,721 $1,721

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,616 $1,616

$1,489 $1,489

$1,701 $1,701

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,366 $6,366

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.52

6.19

6.8

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

Last update: March 3, 2026

Urbana, IL Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Urbana, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

On balance, Urbana offers solid value for those who want a calmer pace with access to big-city resources nearby. It tends to be more affordable than many coastal metros, with neighborhoods that balance charm and practicality. Your daily costs will feel reasonable if you focus on sustainable options and common-sense budgeting. Cost of Living in Urbana, IL, United States gives a clear sense of how lifestyle choices – like housing near campus, local markets, and transit – translate into value. Tip: identify your priorities, compare your housing and transportation options, and consider staying in a neighborhood with easy bike routes and walkable amenities to maximize value.

Housing options span cozy apartments near campus to quiet family-friendly streets elsewhere, with leases that satisfy short stints or longer stays. For daily meals, you’ll find farmers markets, affordable groceries, and a mix of casual eateries. Transit includes good bus connections, walking, and bike-friendly streets that make commuting simple without a car. If you’re freelancing or remote, several coworking spaces and campus resources welcome visitors. Urbana, IL, United States living cost tends to be moderate, helping you stretch your budget while you explore seasonal events and neighborhood vibes. Tip: start your search by targeting walkable areas with nearby amenities and test rezoning rules for longer stays.

Quality of life in Urbana unfolds through seasons and community energy. You’ll find a compact city vibe with easy access to greenspaces, campus activities, and local startups, which keeps social life flexible and low-stress. A practical budgeting framework works well: split your expenses into core needs (housing, food, transit) and discretionary perks (coffee, wellness, side trips). Shopping at co-ops, seasonal farmers markets, and neighborhood markets can stretch your budget. Seasonality influences clothing, heating, and energy use, so plan ahead for cooler months and summer trips. Tip: map a simple monthly plan that aligns housing proximity with daily errands to minimize travel time and costs.