Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $964 in Michigan. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $65,526 in Michigan — about 27% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6%
+0.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
4.25%
+0.7 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$964
+23% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$225,500
+28% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$65,526
+27% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
49.1°F
+0.8°F in Illinois
Illinois vs Michigan — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Michigan?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $964 runs about 23% 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 Michigan?
- 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 $39,000 in Michigan.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Michigan?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Illinois/Michigan — 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.