Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Utah runs roughly 7% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $74,925 in Utah — about 17% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6.1%
+0.2 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
4.50%
+0.5 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$1,166
+7% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$495,700
+57% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$74,925
+17% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
52.8°F
+2.9°F in Utah
Illinois vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Utah?
- Utah is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,166 runs about 7% 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 Utah?
- 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 $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Utah?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Illinois/Utah — 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.