8 Most Affordable Places to Live in Illinois in 2024

From Chicago’s iconic skyline and world-class museums to historic landmarks like Abraham Lincoln’s home and the picturesque Starved Rock State Park, there are plenty of reasons to consider moving to Illinois. If Illinois sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious about what cities fit into your budget. For example, the median home sale price in Illinois is $301,700 as of July. 

Don’t worry if that price doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of 8 of the most affordable places to live in Illinois – and they all have a median home sale price under $301,700. Let’s find out which cities made the list.

#1: Rockford

Median home price: $156,000
Average sale price per square foot: $97
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $855
Median household income: $50,744
Rockford, IL homes for sale
Rockford, IL apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $156,000, Rockford comes in at number one on our list of most affordable places to live in Illinois. There are about 146,100 residents living in this mid-sized city.  If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to visit some of the city’s green spaces like the Anderson Japanese Gardens, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and the Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Rockford also has a great downtown along the Rock River, where you’ll find local restaurants and breweries, the Rockford City Market, and the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

#2: Peoria

Median home price: $169,500
Average sale price per square foot: $93
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $675
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Chicago (160 miles)
Peoria, IL homes for sale
Peoria, IL apartments for rent

Coming in as the second most affordable city to live in Illinois is Peoria. When living in this city of 113,100 people, you can explore Laura Bradley Park and the Forest Park Nature Center, check out the riverfront and downtown Peoria, and visit museums like the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

#3: Springfield

Median home price: $182,500
Average sale price per square foot: $106
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $725
Median household income: $54,164
Nearest major metro: St. Louis (96 miles)
Springfield, IL homes for sale
Springfield, IL apartments for rent

About 114,400 people reside in Springfield, located in central Illinois. The median home sale price is $182,500 which is about $120K less than the median home sale price in Illinois. Make sure to visit the Illinois State Capitol building and check out historic sites like Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site. You can also spend the day at Lake Springfield if you move to the third most affordable city.

#4: Waukegan

Median home price: $240,000
Average sale price per square foot: $168
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,150
Median household income: $66,077
Nearest major metro: Chicago (45 miles)
Waukegan, IL homes for sale
Waukegan, IL apartments for rent

Fourth on our list is Waukegan, located along Lake Michigan. Home to about 87,600 residents, Waukegan is an awesome affordable lakefront city to live in. For example, you can enjoy Waukegan Municipal Beach where you’ll find the Waukegan Dunes and the Waukegan Harbor Light. Waukegan also has plenty of landmarks like the Genesee Theatre and green spaces like Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve and the Illinois Beach Nature Preserve. 

#5: Champaign

Median home price: $251,700
Average sale price per square foot: $152
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $876
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Springfield (86 miles)
Champaign, IL homes for sale
Champaign, IL apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Waukegan is Champaign, the next city on our list. With roughly 88,300 residents in Champaign, make sure to check out one of the parks like Kaufman Lake, explore downtown Champaign, and visit the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

#6: Normal

Median home price: $256,000
Average sale price per square foot: $116
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,100
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Peoria (38 miles)
Normal, IL homes for sale
Normal, IL apartments for rent

Consider adding Normal to your list of cities to check out to if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Illinois. With 52,700 people living in this affordable town, you can check out the Illinois State University campus, and visit some of the historic spots and parks in town.

#7: Bloomington

Median home price: $261,000
Average sale price per square foot: $108
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $890
Median household income: $66,861
Nearest major metro: Peoria (38 miles)
Bloomington, IL homes for sale
Bloomington, IL apartments for rent

Another noteworthy city is Bloomington, where you’ll find the home prices are about $40K less than the state’s average. Bloomington has about 78,700 residents and is a great city to consider buying a home this year. There are lots of activities to do in this city. You can visit the museums and historic spots like the McLean County Museum of History and David Davis Mansion, check out Miller Park and the Miller Park Zoo, and golf at one of the courses, among many other local favorites.

#8: Tinley Park

Median home price: $299,000
Average sale price per square foot: $190
Median household income: $82,163
Nearest major metro: Chicago (30 miles)
Tinley Park, IL homes for sale
Tinley Park, IL apartments for rent

The median home sale price in Tinley Park is $299,000, making it another great city to consider moving to this year. There are about 55,900 people living in this city, giving Tinley Park a city-like feel without the hustle and bustle. If Tinley Park is the city for you, be sure to see a concert at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, check out Centennial Park, and explore St. Mihiel Woods. 

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Illinois. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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