Champaign vs Modesto
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Champaign
Modesto
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 27.7%, with Champaign being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Champaign has equivalent purchasing power to $103,704 in Modesto.
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 $103,704 in Modesto.
Conversely, $75,000 in Modesto equals $54,241 in Champaign.
Living in Champaign vs Modesto
Housing Costs
Champaign's housing index of 83 is lower Modesto's 121, translating to median home prices of $215,000 vs $380,000. The $165,000 difference in home prices means roughly $10,728 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Champaign compared to $1,400/mo in Modesto, a monthly difference of $300.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Champaign and 100 in Modesto. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Champaign vs $475/month in Modesto. 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 108 in Modesto. Monthly utility bills average approximately $424 in Champaign vs $432 in Modesto. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 90 in Champaign and 100 in Modesto. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-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 $55,138 in Modesto. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,259 and $49,230 respectively. Champaign residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,309/month to housing in Champaign vs $1,287/month in Modesto. In Champaign, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In Modesto, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 38 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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