Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,258 in Illinois. Overall, Idaho runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $90,109 in Illinois — about 10% higher in Illinois. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% 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)
5.30%
4.95%
+0.3 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,258
+11% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$456,000
$315,200
+31% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$90,109
+11% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
49.9°F
+2.6°F in Idaho
Idaho vs Illinois — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Illinois?
- Idaho is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,133 runs about 10% 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 Idaho 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 $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $50,000 in Illinois.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Illinois?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% 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 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/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.