Champaign vs Duluth
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Champaign
Duluth
The Verdict
Living in Champaign costs 4.7% less than Duluth. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Champaign, you would need $78,704 in Duluth.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Champaign has the same purchasing power as $78,704 in Duluth.
Conversely, $75,000 in Duluth equals $71,471 in Champaign.
Living in Champaign vs Duluth
Housing Costs
Champaign's housing index of 83 is lower Duluth's 88, translating to median home prices of $215,000 vs $268,000. The $53,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,444 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Champaign compared to $1,025/mo in Duluth, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Champaign and 99 in Duluth. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Champaign vs $470/month in Duluth. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 106 in Champaign and 94 in Duluth. Monthly utility bills average approximately $424 in Champaign vs $376 in Duluth. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 90 in Champaign and 123 in Duluth. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 33-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $56,100 in Champaign and $68,800 in Duluth. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,259 and $80,941 respectively. Duluth residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,309/month to housing in Champaign vs $1,605/month in Duluth. In Champaign, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In Duluth, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 33 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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