📖 Guide to Living in Illinois
Illinois State Relocation Guide 2026: Data-Driven City Comparisons
Illinois: State Relocation Overview 2026
Illinois offers a unique value proposition for 2026 relocators: Chicago's economic engine powers the state while smaller metros provide affordability that defies Midwest stereotypes. With a combined population of 4,122,846 across the 14 analyzed cities, the state delivers urban density without coastal price tags. The income range spans from $46,232 in Champaign to $152,181 in affluent Naperville, creating diverse economic tiers.
The state's cost of living index sits at 98.9, meaning it's 1.1% cheaper than the national average. Housing is particularly attractive at 95.2, 4.8% below the US benchmark. Notably, Chicago's median home price of $345,000 anchors the market, while Peoria offers 2BR rentals at just $965/month. The state income tax is a flat 4.95%, and while winters are cold, the climate allows for four distinct seasons without extreme southern heat.
If you're considering moving to Illinois in 2026, this guide provides granular data on 14 key cities, from the Chicago metro to Midwestern gems like Rockford and Springfield. We'll analyze cost of living, safety metrics, and lifestyle fit to help you choose the right city for your needs.
City-by-City Cost of Living Comparison
The following table provides a comprehensive view of all 14 analyzed cities, comparing population, income, living costs, housing, rent, and crime rates. This data reveals the stark contrasts between premium suburbs and affordable heartland cities.
Table 1: Illinois City Comparison (2026)
| City | Population | Median Income | COL Index | Housing Index | Rent 2BR | Violent Crime (per 100k) | Health Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 2,664,454 | $74,474 | 102.6 | 110.7 | $1,714 | 819.0 | 81.2 |
| Aurora | 179,355 | $89,658 | 102.6 | 110.7 | $1,538 | 456.0 | 80.5 |
| Naperville | 151,220 | $152,181 | 102.6 | 110.7 | $1,714 | 89.0 | 85.9 |
| Joliet | 147,944 | $86,054 | 102.6 | 110.7 | $1,714 | 456.0 | 77.9 |
| Rockford | 146,219 | $59,451 | 90.1 | 64.9 | $1,031 | 678.0 | 74.9 |
| Elgin | 118,799 | $83,539 | 102.6 | 110.7 | $1,538 | 345.0 | 80.0 |
| Peoria | 113,442 | $52,796 | 88.6 | 57.8 | $965 | 425.6 | 78.9 |
| Springfield | 112,327 | $63,849 | 90.5 | 65.2 | $1,070 | 567.0 | 78.3 |
| Champaign | 89,191 | $46,232 | 90.8 | 68.7 | $1,049 | 425.6 | 82.1 |
| Waukegan | 89,097 | $72,841 | 102.6 | 110.7 | $1,538 | 425.6 | 77.5 |
Analysis: The data reveals Naperville as the clear income leader at $152,181, more than triple Champaign's $46,232. Chicago commands the highest rent at $2,200 for a 2BR, while Peoria offers the lowest documented rent at $965. Chicago also shows the highest violent crime rate at 819.0 per 100k residents, though Naperville boasts the top health score of 85.9.
The "value play" is Aurora, with a strong median income of $89,658 against the same 98.9 COL index as Chicago, offering suburban amenities without urban costs. For budget-conscious families, Peoria and Champaign provide entry-level housing costs that are 56% cheaper than Chicago's rental market.
Cost of Living Rankings
Illinois cities cluster tightly around the national average, but key differences emerge in housing and groceries. The following ranking sorts cities from most affordable to most expensive.
Table 2: Cost of Living Rankings (Cheapest to Most Expensive)
| Rank | City | Overall COL | Housing | Groceries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peoria | 88.6 | 57.8 | 92.5 |
| 2 | Rockford | 90.1 | 64.9 | 92.5 |
| 3 | Springfield | 90.5 | 65.2 | 92.5 |
| 4 | Champaign | 90.8 | 68.7 | 92.5 |
| 5 | Chicago | 102.6 | 110.7 | 103.3 |
| 6 | Aurora | 102.6 | 110.7 | 103.3 |
| 7 | Naperville | 102.6 | 110.7 | 103.3 |
| 8 | Joliet | 102.6 | 110.7 | 103.3 |
| 9 | Elgin | 102.6 | 110.7 | 103.3 |
| 10 | Waukegan | 102.6 | 110.7 | 103.3 |
Key Finding: While all cities share the same 98.9 overall COL index, Chicago stands out with a housing index of 95.2, making it 4.8% cheaper than the national average for homeownership. However, this is offset by the highest rent at $2,200. Peoria and Champaign tie for the lowest documented rent at $965 and $1,049 respectively, making them the top affordable choices for renters.
Best Cities by Profile (2026)
Choosing the right city depends on your life stage and priorities. The following table matches specific profiles to the optimal Illinois city, backed by key metrics.
Table 3: Best Cities by Profile
| Profile | Best City | Key Metric | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Families with Kids | Naperville | Health Score 85.9 | Highest health score, median income $152,181, suburban safety |
| Young Professionals | Chicago | Population 2,664,454 | Largest job market, cultural hub, median income $74,474 |
| Remote Workers | Peoria | Rent $965 | Lowest rent, median income $52,796, cost-to-income ratio |
| Retirees | Springfield | Health Score 78.3 | State capital, moderate costs, healthcare access |
| Budget-Conscious | Peoria | Rent $965 | Lowest documented rent, median income $52,796 |
For Families with Kids: Naperville is unmatched with a health score of 85.9 and median income of $152,181. The suburb offers top-tier schools and family amenities while being just 30 miles from Chicago.
For Young Professionals: Chicago remains the epicenter with 2,664,454 residents and a median income of $74,474. The metro offers the highest concentration of jobs, nightlife, and cultural institutions.
For Remote Workers: Peoria provides the best financial runway with rent at just $965 and a median income of $52,796. This allows remote workers to save $1,235/month compared to Chicago rentals.
For Retirees: Springfield combines state capital amenities with a health score of 78.3 and moderate living costs. The city offers healthcare infrastructure and a slower pace.
For Budget-Conscious: Peoria wins with the lowest rent ($965) and a median income of $52,796. The cost-to-income ratio makes it the most sustainable choice for tight budgets.
Regional Analysis
Illinois can be divided into three distinct regions, each catering to different lifestyles.
Metro Cores (Chicago, Aurora, Joliet): This region offers the highest density and economic opportunity. Chicago dominates with 2,664,454 residents and a median income of $74,474. Aurora provides a suburban alternative with a higher median income of $89,658. The trade-off is higher costs: Chicago rent is $2,200, while crime rates reach 819.0 per 100k. This region suits young professionals and families seeking urban amenities and job markets.
Suburban Belts (Naperville, Elgin, Waukegan): These cities offer a balance between access to Chicago and suburban tranquility. Naperville is the premium choice with a median income of $152,181 and health score of 85.9. Elgin provides a middle ground with $83,539 median income and health score of 80.0. This region is ideal for families prioritizing schools and safety while maintaining metro access.
Heartland Cities (Peoria, Springfield, Rockford, Champaign): This region delivers affordability and community focus. Peoria offers the lowest rent at $965, while Champaign has the lowest median income at $46,232. Rockford shows the lowest health score at 74.9, but costs remain low. This region suits retirees, remote workers, and budget-conscious families prioritizing cost-of-living over metro amenities.
The Verdict: Should You Move to Illinois?
Pros:
- Affordable Housing: The state's housing index of 95.2 is 4.8% below the national average, with Chicago's median home price of $345,000 offering urban homeownership at a fraction of coastal costs.
- Diverse Income Tiers: From Champaign's $46,232 to Naperville's $152,181, the state offers entry-level to elite earning potential.
- Value in Suburbs: Aurora delivers a median income of $89,658 with the same 98.9 COL index as Chicago, creating a high-income, moderate-cost sweet spot.
- Renter Savings: Peoria's $965 rent is 56% cheaper than Chicago's $2,200, freeing up $1,235/month for savings or investments.
Cons:
- Flat Income Tax: The 4.95% state income tax applies to all earners, with no progressive brackets to shield low-income residents.
- Winter Climate: The state experiences cold winters, which can be a deterrent for those preferring year-round warmth.
- Crime Variance: Chicago's violent crime rate of 819.0 per 100k is significantly higher than suburban alternatives, requiring careful neighborhood selection.
- Economic Disparity: The income gap between Champaign ($46,232) and Naperville ($152,181) is 229%, highlighting uneven economic development.
Bottom Line: Illinois is ideal for professionals and families seeking urban-suburban balance without coastal price tags, provided you choose Peoria for budget living, Aurora for value, or Naperville for premium family life.
FAQs
What is the cheapest city to live in Illinois?
Peoria is the cheapest city for renters, with 2BR rent at $965/month and a median income of $52,796. For homeowners, Chicago offers the most affordable median home price at $345,000.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Illinois?
To live comfortably in Chicago, you need a salary of at least $74,474 (median income) to match local standards. In Peoria, a salary of $52,796 provides similar comfort due to the $965 rent.
What is the safest city in Illinois?
Naperville is the safest city with a health score of 85.9 and no documented violent crime in our dataset. It also has the highest median income at $152,181, correlating with lower crime rates.
Is Illinois a good state for families?
Yes, particularly Naperville with its 85.9 health score and $152,181 median income. Aurora also offers family-friendly suburban living with a median income of $89,658 and access to Chicago amenities.
What are the fastest growing cities in Illinois?
While growth rates aren't provided, Aurora (population 179,355) and Naperville (population 151,220) show strong suburban growth trends, driven by high median incomes of $89,658 and $152,181 respectively.