Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,142 in Tennessee. Overall, Tennessee runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $75,134 in Illinois and $63,204 in Tennessee — about 16% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
7%
+0.8 pp in Tennessee
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
None
+5.0 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$1,142
+9% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$270,100
+14% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$75,134
$63,204
+16% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
61.3°F
+8.5°F in Tennessee
Illinois vs Tennessee — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Tennessee?
- Tennessee is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,142 runs about 9% 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 Tennessee?
- 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 $46,000 in Tennessee.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Tennessee?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Tennessee has no state income tax and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Illinois/Tennessee — 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.