Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $857 in New York. Overall, New York runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $48,050 in New York — about 47% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
4%
+2.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
10.90%
+6.0 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$857
+32% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$152,300
+52% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$48,050
+47% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
48.3°F
+1.6°F in Illinois
Illinois vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or New York?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 32% 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 York?
- 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 $34,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or New York?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Illinois/New York — 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.