Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,705 in New York. Overall, Illinois runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $75,134 in Illinois and $79,713 in New York — about 6% higher in 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.
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
$1,705
+36% in New York
Median Home Value
$315,200
$751,700
+138% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$75,134
$79,713
+6% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
55.0°F
+2.3°F in New York
Illinois vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or New York?
- Illinois is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,258 runs about 26% below New York's $1,705, 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 $68,000 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 1/1 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.