Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,183 in New Jersey. Overall, New Jersey runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $53,766 in New Jersey — about 40% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Illinois vs New Jersey — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or New Jersey?
- New Jersey is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,183 runs about 6% 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 New Jersey?
- 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 $47,000 in New Jersey.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or New Jersey?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Illinois/New Jersey — 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.