Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,440 in Oregon. Overall, Illinois runs roughly 13% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $75,134 in Illinois and $88,792 in Oregon — about 15% higher in Oregon. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
None
+6.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
9.90%
+5.0 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$1,440
+14% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$315,200
$557,600
+77% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$75,134
$88,792
+18% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
54.5°F
+1.8°F in Oregon
Illinois vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Oregon?
- Illinois is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,258 runs about 13% below Oregon's $1,440, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Illinois than in Oregon?
- 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 $58,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Oregon?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Illinois/Oregon — 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.