from chicago With an iconic skyline and world-class museums, as well as historical landmarks like the Abraham Lincoln Home and picturesque Starved Rock State Park, there are plenty of reasons to consider moving to Illinois. If Illinois sounds like your state, you might also be curious about which cities fit your budget. For example, Illinois median home sales price As of July it was $301,700.
If that price doesn’t fit your budget, don’t worry – we have a variety of options to help you find a house or apartment that fits your budget. Redfin has compiled a list of the eight most affordable places to live in Illinois, all with a median home sale price under $301,700. Let’s see which cities made the list.
#1: Rockford
Median house price: $156,000
Average sales price per square foot: $97
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $855
Median household income: $50,744
Rockford, IL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Rockford, IL
With a median home sale price of $156,000, Rockford ranks No. 1 on our list of the most affordable places to live in Illinois. This medium-sized city is home to approximately 146,100 residents. If you are considering moving to the area, be sure to visit some of the city’s green spaces, such as Anderson Japanese Gardenthis Nicholas Greenhouse and Gardens,as well as Clem Arboretum. Rockford also has a great downtown along the Rock River where you can find local restaurants and breweries, rockford city marketand Coronado Performing Arts Center.
#2: Peoria
Median house price: $169,500
Average sales price per square foot: $93
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $675
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Chicago (160 miles)
Peoria, IL Homes for Sale
Peoria, IL Apartments for Rent
Peoria is the second most livable city in Illinois. In this city of 113,100 people, you can explore Laura Bradley Park and Forest Park Nature Center, visit Riverside and the city of Peoria center and visit museums etc. Peoria Riverfront Museum.
#3: Springfield
Median house price: $182,500
Average sales price per square foot: $106
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $725
Median household income: $54,164
Nearest major metro: St. Louis (96 miles)
Springfield, IL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Springfield, IL
Approximately 114,400 people live in Springfield, central Illinois. The median home sales price is $182,500, about $120,000 less than the Illinois median home sales price. Be sure to visit the Illinois State Capitol and visit historic sites like the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museumand Dana-Thomas House National Historic Site. If you move to the third cheapest city, you can also spend a day at Springfield Lake.
#4: Waukegan
Median house price: $240,000
Average sales price per square foot: $168
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,150
Median household income: $66,077
Nearest major metro: Chicago (45 miles)
Waukegan, IL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Waukegan, IL
Fourth on our list is Waukegan, located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Waukegan is an affordable lakeside city with approximately 87,600 residents. Waukegan also has many landmarks such as Genesee Theater and green spaces like the Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve and the Illinois Beach Nature Preserve.
#5: Champagne
Median house price: $251,700
Average sales price per square foot: $152
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $876
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Springfield (86 miles)
Champaign, IL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Champaign, IL
Champaign is the next city on our list and is only a little more expensive than Waukegan. Champaign has approximately 88,300 residents, so be sure to visit one of its parks like Kaufman Lake, explore downtown Champaign, and visit the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus.
#6: Normal
Median house price: $256,000
Average sales price per square foot: $116
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,100
Median household income: $51,736
Nearest major metro: Peoria (38 miles)
Common Illinois Homes for Sale
Illinois Apartments for Rent
Consider adding Normal to your list of cities looking for an affordable place to live in Illinois. This affordable town is home to 52,700 people, and you can visit the Illinois State University campus and visit some of the town’s historic attractions and parks.
#7: Bloomington
Median house price: $261,000
Average sales price per square foot: $108
Average rent for a one-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 city of note is Bloomington, where you’ll find home prices about $40,000 less than the state average. With approximately 78,700 residents, Bloomington is a great city to consider buying a home this year. There are many things to do in this city. You can visit museums and historical attractions such as McLean County Historical Museum and david davis buildingvisit Miller Park and the Miller Park Zoo, play golf on one of the courses, and many other favorite local activities.
#8: Tinley Park
Median house price: $299,000
Average sales price per square foot: $190
Median household income: $82,163
Nearest major metro: Chicago (30 miles)
Tinley Park, IL Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Tinley Park, IL
Tinley Park’s median home sale price is $299,000, making it another big city worth considering relocating to this year. Home to approximately 55,900 people, the city brings a city-like feel to Tinley Park without the hustle and bustle. If Tinley Park is your cup of tea, be sure to check out a concert Credit Union 1 Amphitheatervisit Centennial Park and explore the Saint-Michel Forest.
method: All cities must have more than 50,000 residents and have a median home sales price below the Illinois average median home sales price, according to the U.S. Census. Median home sales and median sales price per square foot Red Fin Information Center Average rent data for the period July 2024 rental network July 2023. U.S. Census Bureau.
