Median 2BR Rent
$1,632/month
HVAC Salary (Market Data)
$22.39/hour ($46,560 annually)
Housing Cost
42.1% of Income
Based on market salary data
Median Home Price
$260,000
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $260,000 . Buying analysis suggests that purchasing may be more cost-effective for long-term residents, given the current median home price and rental costs.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
Quick Decision Guide
⭐Best Value
Savoy (rent under 30% of $50K salary)
🚗Shortest Commute
Campustown (closest to work zones)
🔧Most HVAC Work
Campustown (highest service demand)
👨👩👧👦Family Friendly
Savoy (family-friendly with reasonable prices)
Career Progression & Salary Guide
Entry Level
$30,000 - $40,000
Entry Level
Mid Level
$40,000 - $55,000
Experienced
Senior Level
$55,000 - $75,000
Senior
Major HVAC Employers
Bash Heating & Air Conditioning
Known for: Professional heating and AC services, strong local reputation.
Rose Heating & Air Conditioning
Known for: Customer-focused approach, comprehensive training programs.
Edelman Inc
Known for: Dynamic work environment, residential and commercial HVAC services.
Top-Rated School Districts in Champaign, IL
- here Unit 4 School District: Serves the city with 20 schools and approximately 10,282 students. It includes Central High School, ranked among the best in the area. Source: GreatSchools
- Mahomet-Seymour High School: Located nearby, it's highly rated for academic performance. Source: US News
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Childcare Costs in Champaign, IL
- Daycare: Average monthly cost ranges from $800 to $1,200, depending on the facility and age of the child. Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
- Nanny: Full-time nanny services average $2,000 to $3,000 per month. Source: Nanny Lane
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Recommended Pediatricians and Family Clinics
- Carle Health: Offers pediatric services with multiple locations. Website
- Christie Clinic Pediatrics: Dr. Dawn Brunner is highly recommended for family medicine. [Source: Chambana
Work-Life Balance Culture
Champaign, IL, offers a balanced work-life culture, influenced by its mix of university-town vibes and corporate presence. The University of Illinois at Urbana-here contributes to a dynamic yet relaxed atmosphere, with flexible work options common in tech and academic sectors. Major employers like Carle Health and State Farm promote employee wellness programs.
Fitness Facilities
- Gyms:
- Refinery Gym: $50/month for a basic membership.
- Champaign County YMCA: $45/month for individuals.
- Parks & Trails:
- Meadowbrook Park: Free access, features 80 acres of trails and gardens.
- Kickapoo Rail Trail: 24.5-mile trail for biking and walking, free to use.
Dining Costs
- Lunch: $8–$15 at places like Black Dog Smoke & Ale House or Maize Mexican Grill.
- Dinner: $15–$30 at Big Grove Tavern or Hamilton Walker's.
- Drinks: $4–$8 for craft beer at Blind Pig Brewery or cocktails at Seven Saints.
For updated menus and prices, check Black Dog Smoke & Ale House or Financial Facts for Champaign, IL
- State Income Tax Rate: Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95% for individuals, as confirmed by the Illinois Department of Revenue. This rate applies to all taxable income for residents, including those in Champaign.
- Property Tax Average: The average effective property tax rate in Champaign County is approximately 2.11%, nearly double the national average. Homeowners typically pay around $5,055 annually in property taxes, according to SmartAsset.
- Cost of Living Comparison: Champaign's cost of living is approximately 20% lower than nearby Chicago, IL. Housing costs are a significant factor, with median home prices in here around $180,000 compared to Chicago's $300,000+, based on Bankrate's cost of living calculator.
- Growing Industries Creating Jobs: The biomanufacturing and precision fermentation sectors are driving job growth in Champaign, with investments exceeding $680 million. The University of Illinois at Urbana-here also fuels innovation in energy, environmental sciences, and materials, as highlighted by the [iFAB Tech Hub](https://ifabtechhub.research.illinois.edu/if
Essential HVAC Certifications
Local ProviderParkland College at 2400 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821
Cost$300 (includes exam fee)
Duration1 week
ScheduleOffered monthly; check Parkland College's website for exact dates
Testing CenterPearson VUE at 1818 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Cost$200 per specialty
Prep CourseAvailable at Parkland College
Available SpecialtiesAir Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces
Requirements4,000 hours of experience + exam
Exam LocationPSI Testing Center at 1818 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Cost$100 application + $75 exam fee
Study ResourcesIllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) website
Local HVAC Training Programs
Parkland College
ProgramHVAC Technology Certificate (1-year program)
Cost$4,500 total (includes tools)
Financial AidAvailable (FAFSA eligible)
Job Placement Rate85%
Danville Area Community College
ProgramHVAC/R Technician (2-year associate degree)
Cost$135 per credit hour
Evening ClassesAvailable