Looking to move to Illinois but worried about the cost? Illinois is actually full of affordable cities that provide great value for your money. From charming small towns to bustling cities, there’s a place for everyone in the Land of Lincoln.
Here’s a quick rundown of 15 of the cheapest places to live in Illinois this year, based on average rent prices. We’ll dive into why each city is affordable and highlight the major employers and attractions that make these places worth considering so you get the full picture of what makes these places so appealing.
1. Decatur
Average rent: $788
Decatur stands out as one of the most affordable cities in Illinois, with an average rent of just $788. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $725, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $850.
Decatur is home to several sizable employers, including Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Caterpillar, providing solid local job opportunities. The Scovill Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Illinois offer family-friendly fun at low costs. Lake Decatur is a popular spot for outdoor activities like fishing and boating.
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2. Rockford
Average rent: $1,004
Rockford’s average rent of $1,004 makes it one of the more affordable cities in Illinois. Studio apartments in Rockford average $1,229, one-bedroom apartments are $855, and two-bedroom apartments are $927.
Rockford’s economy is supported by major employers like SwedishAmerican Health System and Woodward Inc. The Anderson Japanese Gardens is a popular low cost spot for locals. The Burpee Museum of Natural History provides educational fun for families. Beyond that, Rock Cut State Park supports outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, at minimal cost.
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3. Champaign
Average rent: $1,049
Champaign has an average rent of $1,049, with studio apartments averaging $847, one-bedroom apartments at $1,010, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,290.
The University of Illinois is a major employer in Champaign, attracting a diverse workforce and bolstering the college town vibe. Free attractions like the Krannert Art Museum and the Japan House gardens provide culture at no cost.
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4. Joliet
Average rent: $1,115
Joliet’s average rent is $1,115, with studio apartments averaging $962, one-bedroom apartments at $1,090, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,292.
Joliet is home to several large employers, including Amazon and Silver Cross Hospital, providing a range of job opportunities. For entertainment, the Joliet Area Historical Museum offers fascinating exhibits at a low cost. The city’s parks, like Pilcher Park, provide ample space for outdoor activities. Rialto Square Theatre puts on affordable performances and shows throughout the year, providing entertainment for all tastes.
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5. Waukegan
Average rent: $1,169
Waukegan’s average rent stands at $1,169, with studio apartments at $910, one-bedroom apartments at $1,150, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,447.
Two of Waukegan’s main employers are Vista Health System and Waukegan Public Schools. The city has several free attractions like the Waukegan Harbor and Marina and the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Waukegan Arts District, known as “Art Wauk,” is full of galleries and studios, often with free admission.
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6. Peoria
Average rent: $1,223
With an average rent of $1,223, Peoria is another affordable gem in Illinois. Studio apartments average $885, one-bedroom apartments are $1,305, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,480.
Peoria’s economy is bolstered by major employers like Caterpillar Inc. and OSF Healthcare. The Peoria Riverfront Museum and Luthy Botanical Garden provide inexpensive entertainment options. The Peoria Zoo is not too pricey, making it a solid destination for an affordable family outing.
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7. Tinley Park
Average rent: $1,283
Tinley Park’s average rent is $1,283, with studio apartments at $1,195, one-bedroom apartments at $1,250, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,405.
Tinley Park is home to Panduit and Andrew Corporation, providing a variety of job opportunities for varied skill sets. The nearby Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre puts on concerts and events at reasonable prices. The Tinley Park Historical Society Museum provides insight into the area’s history at no cost.
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8. Springfield
Average rent: $1,320
Springfield has an average rent of $1,320, with studio apartments at $2,160, one-bedroom apartments at $750, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,050.
As the state capital, Springfield is full of government job opportunities and healthcare providers like Memorial Health. Free attractions include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Museum. Washington Park and its botanical garden provide beautiful outdoor spaces for free or low-cost recreation.
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9. Oak Park
Average rent: $1,423
Oak Park’s average rent is $1,423, with studio apartments at $1,269, one-bedroom apartments at $1,307, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,694.
Oak Park is known for its strong employment opportunities, with major employers like West Suburban Medical Center and Oak Park and River Forest High School. The city boasts several free attractions, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and the Oak Park Conservatory, each entirely unique and worth the trip.
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10. Berwyn
Average rent: $1,425
Berwyn’s average rent is $1,425, with one-bedroom apartments at $1,350 and two-bedroom apartments at $1,500.
Berwyn offers numerous employment opportunities, with major employers like MacNeal Hospital and the Berwyn South School District. The city’s historic Route 66 corridor features unique shops and dining options at reasonable prices. For some time under the sun, Berwyn’s parks provide free or low-cost activities.
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11. Aurora
Average rent: $1,548
Aurora’s average rent of $1,548 makes it an attractive option for affordable living in Illinois. Studio apartments average $1,325, one-bedroom apartments are $1,355, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,964.
Aurora’s economy is supported by major employers like Caterpillar Inc. and Rush-Copley Medical Center. Phillips Park Zoo and the Aurora Regional Fire Museum are two of the city’s most popular and reasonably priced attractions.
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12. Wheaton
Average rent: $1,579
Wheaton’s average rent is $1,579, with studio apartments at $990, one-bedroom apartments at $1,737, and two-bedroom apartments at $2,010.
Wheaton is home to employers like Wheaton College and Central DuPage Hospital, providing plenty of job opportunities. The city offers several free attractions, like Cosley Zoo and the Billy Graham Center Museum. For outdoorsy types, Cantigny Park provides beautiful gardens and walking trails at minimal cost.
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13. Elgin
Average rent: $1,626
Elgin’s average rent of $1,626 makes it a relatively affordable city in Illinois. Studio apartments in Elgin average $800, one-bedroom apartments are $1,800, and two-bedroom apartments are $2,277.
Elgin’s economy is supported by major employers like Advocate Sherman Hospital and Elgin Area School District U-46. Gail Borden Public Library and the Elgin Public Museum are family favorites that won’t have you whipping out your wallet every few minutes. For outdoor activities, residents often enjoy the Fox River Trail and the various parks scattered throughout the city.
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14. Palatine
Average rent: $1,874
Palatine’s average rent is $1,874, with studio apartments at $925, one-bedroom apartments at $1,958, and two-bedroom apartments at $2,738.
Palatine is home to Harper College and Northwest Community Healthcare, each providing a range of job opportunities. Palatine Historical Society Museum and the George Clayson House Museum are must visits for visitors on a budget.
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15. Mount Prospect
Average rent: $1,981
Mount Prospect’s average rent is $1,981, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,362 and two-bedroom apartments at $2,600.
Two of the larger employers in Mount Prospect are Randhurst Village and Mount Prospect School District 57. The Mount Prospect Public Library and the Historical Society Museum are always a safe bet for a budget-friendly excursion. For outdoorsy types, Melas Park has beautiful trails and plenty of space for a full day of fun under the shining Illinois sun.
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Methodology
All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have an average rent price under the median rent price for the state – which is $2,223 per month according to Redfin data. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2024.
