Illinois vs Texas
Side-by-side cost of living comparison.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6.25%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
None
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$1,170
+7% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$264,900
+16% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$75,134
$67,043
+11% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
67.2°F
+14.5°F in Texas
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/8 cities we track in Illinois/Texas — 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.