City Comparison
Champaign vs Schaumburg
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Schaumburg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Champaign
Schaumburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Champaign is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Schaumburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Champaign's average rent is
32% lower than Schaumburg's.
| Metric | Champaign | Schaumburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $1,850 | -32% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $170 | $175 | -3% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $240 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,140 | $2,815 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Schaumburg offers 18% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Schaumburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Champaign is estimated at
$52,000 vs $62,000 in Schaumburg.
| Metric | Champaign | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,817 idx | 69,643 idx |
| Household Income | $61,200 | $91,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 3.3°F of each other.
For sunshine, Champaign comes out ahead with 10 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Schaumburg sees 8.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Champaign | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.10°F | 50.80°F |
| Summer High | 83.80°F | 82.30°F |
| Winter Low | 19.90°F | 17.20°F |
| Rainfall | 28.60 in | 34.40 in |
| Snowfall | 18.80 in | 27.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 265 | 255 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Champaign has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Schaumburg.
Champaign scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Champaign leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Champaign | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 36.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Champaign is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Schaumburg.
From a growth perspective, Champaign is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Schaumburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Champaign | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 88,302 | 78,723 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.40% |
| Median Age | 27.5 | 39.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Champaign
Advantages
Median home prices remain below the national average per 2024 Zillow data, offering accessible homeownership.
World-class healthcare infrastructure anchored by Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF HealthCare.
An award-winning mass transit system (MTD) providing reliable public transportation across the metro area.
A thriving tech and startup ecosystem fueled by University of Illinois research and talent.
Rich cultural diversity and vibrant arts, dining, and entertainment scenes unusual for a mid-sized city.
Drawbacks
Winter weather brings cold temperatures and significant snowfall, averaging nearly 19 inches annually.
Property taxes in Champaign County are relatively high compared to the national average.
Rental markets near the university experience high turnover and seasonal price spikes.
Car dependency is notable outside of the immediate downtown and campus cores.
Local job market can be heavily tied to institutional cycles and state budget fluctuations.
Schaumburg
Advantages
Home to Woodfield Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in the United States, offering extensive retail and dining options.
Consistently low crime rates and proactive local policing make it one of the safest communities in the region.
Exceptional park district maintaining over 70 parks, community centers, and recreational facilities for residents.
Strong corporate employment base with major headquarters located directly within the municipal boundaries.
Convenient access to Interstate 90 provides efficient commuting routes to downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport.
Drawbacks
Cook County property taxes are among the highest in the nation, putting a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
High level of car dependency outside of core commercial zones, leading to heavy traffic congestion around major retail hubs.
Overall cost of living sits noticeably above the national average, driven primarily by housing and local tax structures.
Winters can be harsh and prolonged, bringing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that limit outdoor activities.
Lack of a rapid transit rail station directly within the village center requires reliance on buses or driving to reach Metra stations.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Champaign
#324Illinois, USA
60.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
93
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
265/yr
Avg Temp
54.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
76
Business
72
Schaumburg
#237Illinois, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
50.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
82
Business
81
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