This Illinois City Is Now The Cheapest Place To Live In The State

Affordability? In this economy?

We all know Illinois is one of the more expensive states to live in, with the cost of living being 10% higher than the national average and don't even get us started on gas prices.

*cries in broke*: Illinois Gas Prices Will Soon Increase With Another New Tax

But there are some places in the state that are cheaper than others to live in. For 2025, Redfin ranked the Most Affordable Places To Live In Illinois.

It looked at a few metrics:

• Median home price
• Average sale price per square foot
• Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment
• Median household income
• Nearest major metro

All of these places sound expensive to me, but $20 sounds like a splurge at this point.

Scroll down to see the top 3 most affordable places to live in Illinois for 2025!

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)

The median home price in Illinois' state capitol city is $140k less than the median home price in Illinois. Springfield's population is about 114,400.

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's population is about 113,300. Redfin ranked it as the 2nd most affordable place to live in Illinois at the moment.

And coming in at #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)

There are about 70,500 residents living in Decatur. Like Springfield, Decatur has a lake nearby that's named after the city.