Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $953 in Montana. Overall, Montana runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $71,855 in Montana — about 20% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
None
+6.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
5.65%
+0.7 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$953
+24% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$427,400
+36% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$71,855
+20% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
45.9°F
+4.0°F in Illinois
Illinois vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Montana?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $953 runs about 24% 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 Montana?
- 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 $38,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Montana?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Illinois/Montana — 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.