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Cost of Living in Urbana

Is it better to rent or buy in Urbana? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$73,027
$943/mo

Median in area: $943

$180,568

Median in area: $180,568

$36,114

If you Rent

$1,155 /mo
Base Rent$943
Est. Utilities$212
% of Income19.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,931

If you Buy

$1,408 /mo
P&I (6.966%)$958
Taxes & Ins$238
Est. Utilities$212
% of Income23.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,678

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Urbana?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Urbana. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,155, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,408 per month (a difference of $253).

How much do utilities cost in Urbana?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Urbana is approximately $212. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Urbana?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Urbana without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,200 per year.