Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,024 in Delaware versus $1,258 in Illinois. Overall, Delaware runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,269 in Delaware and $90,109 in Illinois — about 39% higher in Illinois. Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no 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
None
6.25%
+6.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
6.60%
4.95%
+1.6 pp in Delaware
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,024
$1,258
+23% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$224,500
$315,200
+40% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,269
$90,109
+63% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
49.9°F
+5.0°F in Delaware
Delaware vs Illinois — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Illinois?
- Delaware is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,024 runs about 19% below Illinois's $1,258, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Delaware 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 $41,000 a year in Delaware versus $50,000 in Illinois.
- Which has lower taxes, Delaware or Illinois?
- Delaware has a top state income tax rate of 6.60% and no 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 1/3 cities we track in Delaware/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.