Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,258 in Illinois. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 38% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $90,109 in Illinois — about 28% higher in Illinois. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 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
6%
6.25%
+0.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
4.95%
+1.2 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,258
+62% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$177,100
$315,200
+78% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$90,109
+40% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
49.9°F
+0.6°F in Illinois
Iowa vs Illinois — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Illinois?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 38% 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 Iowa 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 $31,000 a year in Iowa versus $50,000 in Illinois.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Illinois?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 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 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/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.