Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,430 in South Carolina. Overall, Illinois runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than South Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $90,038 in South Carolina. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6%
+0.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
6.00%
+1.0 pp in South Carolina
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$1,430
+14% in South Carolina
Median Home Value
$315,200
$469,100
+49% in South Carolina
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$90,038
+0% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
66.7°F
+16.8°F in South Carolina
Illinois vs South Carolina — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or South Carolina?
- Illinois is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,258 runs about 12% below South Carolina's $1,430, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Illinois than in South Carolina?
- 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 $57,000 in South Carolina.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or South Carolina?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Illinois/South Carolina — 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.