Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, Oregon runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $71,900 in Oregon — about 20% higher in Illinois. 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
$1,080
+14% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$435,400
+38% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$71,900
+20% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
53.0°F
+3.1°F in Oregon
Illinois vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Oregon?
- Oregon is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,080 runs about 14% 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 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 $43,000 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 3/3 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.