Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Berkeley is 311% more expensive than Peoria.

$2,127/mo ↑ 124%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 55%
$108,558/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 46%
$1,351,100 ↑ 804%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 89%
$2,340/mo ↑ 132%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 57%
120,223
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,176/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $14,112/year.

Median household income is $49,842/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Peoria — common questions

Is Berkeley or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Peoria?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $1,176/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Peoria?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $49,842/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Peoria

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