Champaign vs Lincoln
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Champaign
Lincoln
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 12.9%, with Champaign being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Champaign has equivalent purchasing power to $86,111 in Lincoln.
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 $86,111 in Lincoln.
Conversely, $75,000 in Lincoln equals $65,323 in Champaign.
Living in Champaign vs Lincoln
Housing Costs
Champaign's housing index of 83 is higher Lincoln's 77, translating to median home prices of $215,000 vs $264,000. The $49,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,180 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Champaign compared to $1,075/mo in Lincoln, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Champaign and 98 in Lincoln. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Champaign vs $466/month in Lincoln. 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 93 in Lincoln. Monthly utility bills average approximately $424 in Champaign vs $372 in Lincoln. 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 102 in Lincoln. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-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 $71,900 in Lincoln. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,259 and $77,312 respectively. Lincoln 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 $1,678/month in Lincoln. In Champaign, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In Lincoln, median rent of $1,075/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 13 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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