Illinois offers a diverse range of attractions and opportunities, from Chicago’s iconic skyline to historic landmarks like Abraham Lincoln’s home. If you’re considering a move to Illinois, you may be interested in exploring affordable cities that fit your budget. The median home sale price in Illinois is currently $285,900 as of April.
If the median price doesn’t align with your budget, don’t worry. Redfin has compiled a list of 10 of the most affordable places to live in Illinois, all with median home sale prices below $285,900. Let’s take a look at 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. With a population of approximately 70,500, this mid-sized city offers attractions like Nelson Park, Rock Springs Conservation Area, and Fairview Park for residents to enjoy.
#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 secures the second spot on our list with a median home price of $133,500. With a population of 113,100, residents can explore Laura Bradley Park, the riverfront, downtown Peoria, and attractions like the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
#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 ranks third on our list with a median home price of $147,350. With a population of about 114,400, this central Illinois city offers attractions like the Illinois State Capitol building, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 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 is the fourth most affordable city on our list with a median home price of $165,000. With a population of approximately 146,100, residents can enjoy attractions like Anderson Japanese Gardens, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and the vibrant downtown area along the Rock River.
#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 stands out as an affordable city with a median home price of $212,500. With a population of around 78,700, residents can explore attractions like 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 takes the sixth spot on our list with a median home price of $234,000. Home to approximately 87,600 residents, Waukegan offers attractions like Waukegan Municipal Beach, Genesee Theatre, Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve, and 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 ranks seventh with a median home price of $237,000. Home to around 88,300 residents, the city offers parks like Kaufman Lake, downtown exploration, 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 is the eighth most affordable city, with a median home price of $245,000. With a population of nearly 58,400, Oak Lawn offers 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
Normal, with a median home price of $265,000, is the ninth most affordable city on the list. Home to approximately 52,700 residents, the town offers attractions like the Illinois State University campus and various historic sites and parks.
#10: Joliet
Median home price: $285,500
Average sale price per square foot: $177
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,235
Median household income: $72,871
Nearest major metro: Chicago (48 miles)
Joliet, IL homes for sale
Joliet, IL apartments for rent
Joliet, with a median home price of $285,500, rounds off the list as the tenth most affordable city. Home to about 150,400 residents, Joliet offers attractions like the Joliet Area Historical Museum, Rialto Square Theatre, and Historic Route 66.
Methodology: Cities with over 50,000 residents were considered, with median home sale prices below the state average. Data was sourced from the Redfin Data Center for median home sale prices, Rent.com for rental prices, and the United States Census Bureau for population and household income figures.