Cost of living in Illinois
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Illinois are about the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 100.0 (U.S. = 100), making it the #19 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Illinois with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Illinois prices
- 2.9% cheaper
- Take-home in Illinois at $75,000
- $58,025$4,835 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $56,341$4,695 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +9.3%+$5,252 a year in Illinois buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Illinois take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Illinois with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Illinois as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Illinois? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Illinois prices by category
| Category | Illinois | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 100.0 | −0.0% |
| Goods | 103.8 | +3.8% |
| Housing (rent) | 93.9 | −6.1% |
| Utilities | 85.0 | −15.0% |
| Other services | 100.2 | +0.2% |
Rents in Illinois are close to the national average. The overall price level rose 1.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (98.8). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Illinois, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,975 | $40,025 | $40,042 | $50,021 |
| $75,000 | $16,975 | $58,025 | $58,049 | $75,032 |
| $100,000 | $25,625 | $74,375 | $74,406 | $100,042 |
At $75,000, Illinois ranks #37 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Illinois paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Illinois equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Illinois. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Illinois once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | −5.9% | $70,601 | $68,747 |
| Iowa | −12.2% | $65,849 | $62,852 |
| Missouri | −9.1% | $68,141 | $65,514 |
| Kentucky | −9.8% | $67,648 | $65,112 |
| Indiana | −6.6% | $70,026 | $67,236 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −13.0% | $65,230 | $62,360 |
| Mississippi | −13.0% | $65,242 | $62,297 |
| Oklahoma | −12.1% | $65,910 | $63,634 |
| California | +10.8% | $83,075 | $85,685 |
| Hawaii | +10.0% | $82,498 | $85,389 |
| Washington, DC | +9.9% | $82,460 | $84,223 |
| New Jersey | +8.9% | $81,638 | $82,333 |
| Texas | −2.9% | $72,823 | $67,535 |
| Florida | +3.5% | $77,593 | $72,780 |
| New York | +8.0% | $80,975 | $82,537 |
Moving from Illinois to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Illinois expensive to live in?
Illinois has a price level of 100.0 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are about the same as the national average. It ranks #33 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Illinois?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $74,969 in Illinois before taxes. After Illinois taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,025 — worth $58,049 at U.S.-average prices, #37 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Illinois?
Illinois's housing price level is 93.9, meaning rents are 6.1% below the national average. Goods are 103.8 and utilities 85.0.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Iowa (price level 87.8, −12.2% vs Illinois). A $75,000 Illinois salary is equivalent to $62,852 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.