Illinois offers a diverse range of attractions, from Chicago’s iconic skyline to historic landmarks like Abraham Lincoln’s home. If you’re considering a move to Illinois, you might be interested in finding a city that fits your budget. The median home sale price in Illinois is currently $285,900, but there are plenty of affordable options available as well.
Redfin has compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable places to live in Illinois, all with median home sale prices under $285,900. Let’s explore which cities made the cut.
#1: Decatur
Median home price: $102,250
Average sale price per square foot: $75
Median household income: $45,404
Nearest major metro: Springfield (40 miles)
Decatur, IL homes for sale
Decatur, IL apartments for rent
Decatur takes the top spot on our list with a median home sale price of $102,250. This mid-sized city with 70,500 residents offers attractions like Nelson Park, Rock Springs Conservation Area, and Fairview Park for outdoor enthusiasts.
#2: Peoria
Median home price: $133,500
Average sale price per square foot: $86
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $924
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Chicago (160 miles)
Peoria, IL homes for sale
Peoria, IL apartments for rent
Peoria offers a median home price of $133,500 and attractions like Laura Bradley Park, Forest Park Nature Center, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum for residents to enjoy.
#3: Springfield
Median home price: $147,350
Average sale price per square foot: $90
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,030
Median household income: $54,164
Nearest major metro: St. Louis (96 miles)
Springfield, IL homes for sale
Springfield, IL apartments for rent
Springfield, with a median home price of $147,350, is known for its historic sites like the Illinois State Capitol building and Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Residents can also enjoy attractions like the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Lake Springfield.
#4: Rockford
Median home price: $165,000
Average sale price per square foot: $98
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $987
Median household income: $50,744
Rockford, IL homes for sale
Rockford, IL apartments for rent
Rockford, with a median home price of $165,000, is a vibrant city with 146,100 residents. Residents can enjoy attractions like Anderson Japanese Gardens, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and the Rockford City Market.
#5: Bloomington
Median home price: $212,500
Average sale price per square foot: $112
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,012
Median household income: $66,861
Nearest major metro: Peoria (38 miles)
Bloomington, IL homes for sale
Bloomington, IL apartments for rent
Bloomington, with a median home price of $212,500, is home to 78,700 residents. Attractions in the city include the McLean County Museum of History, David Davis Mansion, Miller Park, and the Miller Park Zoo.
#6: Waukegan
Median home price: $234,000
Average sale price per square foot: $178
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,385
Median household income: $66,077
Nearest major metro: Chicago (45 miles)
Waukegan, IL homes for sale
Waukegan, IL apartments for rent
Waukegan, with a median home price of $234,000, is a lakefront city with 87,600 residents. Residents can enjoy attractions like Waukegan Municipal Beach, Genesee Theatre, Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve, and the Illinois Beach Nature Preserve.
#7: Champaign
Median home price: $237,000
Average sale price per square foot: $148
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,155
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Springfield (86 miles)
Champaign, IL homes for sale
Champaign, IL apartments for rent
Champaign, with a median home price of $237,000, is a bustling city with 88,300 residents. Residents can enjoy parks like Kaufman Lake, downtown Champaign, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
#8: Oak Lawn
Median home price: $245,000
Average sale price per square foot: $173
Median household income: $69,352
Nearest major metro: Chicago (25 miles)
Oak Lawn, IL homes for sale
Oak Lawn, IL apartments for rent
Oak Lawn, with a median home price of $245,000, is a smaller city with close to 58,400 residents. Located southwest of Chicago, Oak Lawn offers outdoor attractions like Wolfe Wildlife Park and a variety of local restaurants.
#9: Normal
Median home price: $265,000
Average sale price per square foot: $121
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,225
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Peoria (38 miles)
Normal, IL homes for sale
Normal, IL apartments for rent