Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $877 in Kentucky. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 30% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $75,134 in Illinois and $64,731 in Kentucky — about 14% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6%
+0.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
3.50%
+1.5 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$877
+30% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$221,500
+30% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$75,134
$64,731
+14% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
58.2°F
+5.5°F in Kentucky
Illinois vs Kentucky — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Kentucky?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 30% 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 Illinois than in Kentucky?
- 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 Illinois versus $35,000 in Kentucky.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Kentucky?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Illinois/Kentucky — 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.