Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Leave the Chicago premium behind, and downstate Illinois gets remarkably affordable.
1. Peoria: Best value overall
2. Rockford: Best for affordability
3. Springfield: Best capital value
4. Champaign-Urbana: Best college value
5. Decatur: Best for low rent
6. Bloomington-Normal: Best for stability
7. Quad Cities: Best riverfront value
8. Carbondale: Best southern value
Illinois leads with Chicago, but downstate the cost of living drops sharply. College towns and river cities offer low rents, steady jobs, and easy access to bigger metros. Property taxes run high statewide, so check local rates. Here are the 8 cheapest places to live in Illinois that still offer jobs and lifestyle, ranked by value.