Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $866 in Missouri. Overall, Missouri runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $55,279 in Missouri — about 39% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
4.225%
+2.0 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
4.70%
+0.3 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$866
+31% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$185,100
+41% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$55,279
+39% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
56.3°F
+6.4°F in Missouri
Illinois vs Missouri — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Missouri?
- Missouri is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $866 runs about 31% 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 Missouri?
- 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 Missouri.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Missouri?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Illinois/Missouri — 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.