Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,258 in Illinois. The two are close on rent, within a few percent of each other.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $75,134 in Illinois — about 2% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
6.25%
+0.7 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
4.95%
+2.5 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,258
+0% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$364,300
$315,200
+13% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$75,134
+2% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
52.7°F
+22.4°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Illinois — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Illinois?
- They're close. Median one-bedroom rent runs $1,253 in Arizona and $1,258 in Illinois — within a few percent of each other.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Illinois?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $50,000 in Illinois.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Illinois?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Illinois — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.